Using Profanity?
Whether we want to admit it or not, we are continually selling something. Even if we never sell a product or service during our career, we are always selling ourselves. The best way to sell our ideas and thoughts is through words, so the words we choose are critical.
After a while, part of our brand is tied up in the words that we use. The bigger the following and influence we gain, the more powerful our words become, and the more meaning we bring to specific words.
With that said, I believe that using words that some would deem “foul” should be used sparingly. I feel as though if someone is masterful at connecting with another human being or even a large audience, they will be able to do so using ordinary language and won’t need to rely on taboo words as a crutch.
I remember listening to an interview with Jerry Seinfeld a couple of years ago that gave me an interesting perspective on offensive language. Seinfeld, who is arguably one of the greatest stand-up comedians of our time, talked about why he doesn’t use profanity, and he reasoned that he wanted to fight to be at the top of his game. He said that using foul language during his stand-up gigs was like cutting corners, and he needed to bring more creativity to his shows to get laughs. I’ve adopted a similar mindset. If we have a great vocabulary and understand how to speak with power, conviction, and passion, we won’t need to overuse foul language.
With that said, I find it acceptable (in some cases) to use offensive language for shock value and keep people on their toes. Although when these words are overused, the listener will become numb to them, and it won't have much of an impact.
Do you agree?
*Matt Zaun is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers organizations to attract more clients through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt’s past engagements have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 200 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry.
Matt shares his expertise in persuasion with executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs, who he coaches on the art of influence and how to leverage this for profits and impact.
For more info, check out his video | https://youtu.be/pflQtzgP7X0
COO Instrumentum | CEO Cruxible Partners | Host of the Eating Crow Podcast
4 年Love this m*$&%^'n post Matt. I've had this same discussion with my kids regarding music containing extreme profanity in mass quantities. I asked my kids "where's the art in that?" It's a shortcut, no creativity. Listen to thoughtful lyrics (and they exist in any genre) and you begin to appreciate the eloquent written and spoken word. Read much of the constitution or the writings of our founding fathers and you begin to appreciate their artistry.
IT Helpdesk
4 年This is very true. But in some way It works differently for me because I speak through how I say things (tonality, gestures, body language, etc) rather than the words themselves most of the time. For example... if someone says the same jokes as a comedian normally or without expressing the situation with certain gestures or saying their words in a funny tone, it would be hard to laugh at the joke.
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4 年I will on occasion use BS (full version) when working with clients to call out dishonesty or when someone isn’t taking ownership. Other than that, it’s rare and never prior to a (potential) client using it first.
Illuminating Your Business, Brand, and Bottom Line.
4 年I did not get a job at one point because I dropped two cuss words mid interview. Lesson learned. Be Jim Gaffigan vs Eddie Murphy and engage without the profanity - not my strong suit....
Medical Laboratory Scientist / Multilingual Secretary - Administrator
4 年We are always selling ourselves. In every relationship, we sell ourselves to be accepted it depends on the other side if he/she wants "to buy:"