Communication Becomes More Casual Every Day: The Impact of Word Choice on Personal and Professional Relationships

In today’s social media-driven world, we are constantly communicating with others, both personally and professionally. However, the way we communicate has changed drastically over time. A decade ago, using emoticons or informal language in a professional email would have been deemed unprofessional or even inappropriate. However, in 2017, such forms of communication have become more acceptable.

While speaking and writing have different guidelines, we tend to use more filler words when speaking. Filler words such as “um” or “like” can make us appear unreliable, even if we are educated and dependable individuals. Therefore, it is essential to be conscious of the words we use to communicate with others.

Word choice reflects one’s personality, and even the regularity in which words or word categories are used can speak volumes about an individual. Psychologists, such as James W. Pennebaker of the University of Texas at Austin, assert that the way a person expresses their thoughts reveals character. The choices a person makes regarding appropriate nouns and verbs can provide clues into their large-scale behaviors. Researchers have even created software to monitor a person’s word choice to predict how they will act in the future.

There are specific words that we should avoid using in our daily conversations as they can undermine our credibility and make us appear unreliable or passive. These words include “might,” “should,” “maybe,” and “would.” While they are common verbs in the English language, they can make the speaker sound unsure of themselves.

Another word to avoid is “ok.” While it is a common response in text messages or casual conversations, it can make us sound indifferent and unsure. Moreover, we often use “ok” as a self-protecting mechanism to avoid giving concrete statements that could be hurtful.

Using the word “awesome” is also something to limit. While it can be an appropriate response to an incredible story or achievement, using it regularly can make us seem a little dense. Overusing “awesome” can make people feel like we don’t have any of our own opinions, and the word becomes insincere quickly.

“Um” is perhaps the most common filler word, and we may not even realize how often we use it in our conversations. Overuse of “um” can make us seem a bit delayed in processing our thoughts, even if we are intelligent individuals. Instead of saying “um,” we can replace it with “let me think for a while,” which gives us a proactive appearance and proves our willingness to take control of the situation.

Another filler word to avoid is “like.” It can make us sound childish and usually isn’t necessary. While we could replace it with “such as” or something similar, analyzing our sentences before we speak can help us avoid using filler words altogether.

The word “actually” is also one to limit. While it may seem necessary, it can give the impression that whatever was uttered before it was not true. Deleting this word from our sentences can make our tone stronger and more direct.

Lastly, using the word “hopefully” can imply that we aren’t determined or confident enough. In work situations, it is essential to avoid using “hopefully” to ensure confidence and control.

In conclusion, being mindful of our word choice is crucial in our personal and professional relationships. Using filler words or unreliable-sounding words can undermine our credibility and make us appear less trustworthy. However, using confident and direct language can make all the difference in the way people perceive us. We should strive for self-awareness and take the necessary steps to limit and ultimately eliminate these words from our conversations.