How to Stop Using a Crutch Word
Merriam – Webster knows a little something about words. They just released the word of the year for 2008 … beg.
No, wait a minute, that’s our word for their word! Their word is … bailout.
Oxford University also recently released their own list – the most irritating phrases of 2008.
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Among them:
- "24/7" finished ninth on the list. Can we add 365 to it?
- "With all due respect" came in fifth. It made us think of one that irritates us. Why do people say, “I’m not trying to be rude” when they are getting ready to say something rude?
- And the phrase that the wonderful people at Oxford found most irritating – “at the end of the day.”
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I love The Apprentice, but have you ever noticed how many contestants use that phrase over and over again?
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I think I just figured out my New Year’s Resolution for 2009. I’m going to start using the phrase, “at the beginning of the day” because I’m an optimist!
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These phrases are crutches gone mainstream. They made us think about our own crutches.
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I say “that’s right” a lot which is similar to “absolutely” which finished sixth on the Oxford list.
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I find myself saying “you know” more often than I would like. That’s definitely my crutch.
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Getting off crutches
- Record yourself. In order to stop using crutch words, you have to become aware of them. Record yourself and listen to the words you’re using as a crutch.
- Create substitutes. Come up with two or three alternates to the word or phrase you use over and over. When you feel yourself ready to rely on your crutch, or you know you’ve already said it, force yourself to use a different word or phrase.
So let’s look at “you know.” Why not lead with …
“You’re probably aware of this.”
“You may find this interesting.”
“I bet you can relate to this.”
Don’t those phrases sound better if you’re going to use one?
“That’s right” could be “Good point” or “You’re dead on.”
- Pause to think. We won’t speak for you, but sometimes when we talk, our mouths seem to get ahead of our brains! So we lean on our crutches to fill the space. That’s because, as humans, we’re uncomfortable with … silence.
There’s no reason to be. A second of silence gives you time to fully digest what has been said. It actually improves communication.
What’s your crutch? What alternatives could you use? And, while we’re at it, what word or phrase drives you crazy?
Direct link to The Bigg Success Show audio file:
http://media.libsyn.com/media/biggsuccess/00280-120508.mp3
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