Our Language Needs Help!
We support the contention that we as American’s are arrogant and lazy with our language. This is a very generalized statement but applicable to many cultural aspects and domains within our culture. We didn’t define this condition and state by ourselves, but agree with the author’s who mentioned it to us frequently – see our blog “In Search of Mediocrity”. If you want examples of this contention, simply listen closely to people around you: friends, family, fellow workers/colleagues, television sitcom’s, retailers service staff, etc. It matters not who, where, or when you observe, but pick someone or groups; look to understand the conversation context then just start listening.
Two Important Definitions
To help you, here is a definition of arrogance, by way of dictionary.com, which states “an offensive display of self-importance: overbearing pride”. Sound familiar? How does the word lazy affect you, which states “adverse or disinclined to work, activity or exertion”? Couple these, then you will begin to perceive patterns. Once you have practiced observing others, gained understanding and identification with the contention, look at you own language then ask, “What is happening in my language?”.
Become Aware
Our goal is to have you become aware of yourself, so you cam move away from arrogance and prideful words, begin to use more humble and grateful usage, while lifting your language. Look closely for your attitude, style and approach to see what part they play in your language. Actually, each of these components mentioned exist inside your beliefs and consequently your usage of language. You’ll hear more about this in future blogs!!!
From our observations, language elevation would be a good thing for both individuals and business people: all ages too! For starters, we suggest dropping business domain language terminology, whether technology, medicine, psychology, or engineering, etc. Also, drop faddish, crude, slang and hip cultural; quick talk brings little to understanding. My wife and I are still surprised by the language of junior and high schooler’s as we walk by them in the morning: our culture seems to find this acceptable.
Word Power
We’re introducing the “Power of Words” for you here: words have impact to do great good or harm. The good can lift and support people, as the harm can stop and shut people off or down. There too is an associated spiraling up or down affect. Each affect has the capacity to suck all language into a positive or negative vortex. We like positive to reverse the negative tendency, to enable you to become clearer, elevate language and use more precision. Your vocabulary will rise in the language waters.
Think Higher Order
When speaking, imagine you are addressing an audience of the highest order. Act as if your audience contains customers, prospects, clergy and nuns, business leaders, or any group and be thoughtful, respectful and intelligent. If you have not heard “Act Accordingly”, then arm yourself with the concept and begin by thinking about the importance of what you say defines who you are being and who you are. Not a novel concept, but one to remember consistently.
Your words clearly matter in many ways in which you may not yet be accustomed. You may be struck by an idea that we are asking you to be thoughtful, but leave behind your spontaneity. Not so. We want you to trust you instincts, yet become more prudent in your choices of words. How would you do this?
Mindful Public Speaking
You may begin by thinking about public speaking. It may not be your greatest asset; it may be your highest fear. Putting yourself in this mind-frame might bring a few things to the surface for you. We identified fear and you might be feeling some anxiety about this with your beliefs about public speaking. However, we think this is a good place to begin for you. It allows you to think about your beliefs. Yes, we will bring you back to your originating experiences that led you to your beliefs in the first place. We have much more to offer you on this subject in our workshops. But, let’s get back to some basics.
Get Feedback
First off, you are probably not familiar with your own language, what you say, or how you say things. You may understand the impact of what you say by way of the reactions that you receive from those to whom you are speaking. If you have little sense of this though, begin to notice by starting to look and listen for things present in your audience: interest, understanding, glazed looks, acceptance, dozing, anger, etc. If you are willing to look, all kinds for things will appear for you. Within this context, begin changing your words. Start by asking questions of your audience “Does this make sense?”, “Do you agree with what been said?” to keep in close touch with your listeners. There is more, but for now this will help you get going.
We suggest you record a few of your conversations (i.e. please do this legally) and playback your side of the conversation to realize your part in it. Ask people in your listening circle to give you feedback on your language, your style, attitude, etc. What could and needs to change to become more effective? To be understood better? What other things can you think of on your own?
Conclusion
We want you to strive for excellence in all you do, especially your language, since this is where we all live. Become selective in your word choice, improve your language and lift yourself out of arrogance.
By the way, we all are arrogant and lazy in our language.
It is the reason that we make writing a consistent practice. For us, we write our ideas, doodlings, and anythings which comes up, down in at least two separate journals: 1) personal; and 2) business.
We couldn’t hear anything else they were saying: first, because the coffee grinder drowned them out; and second, we plugged in our ears phones from our headsets so we wouldn’t have to hear anyone or noise while we work (i.e. We prefer Bach to stimulate creativity).
We think that the experience, training and exposure to transformation ideas can be very effective in ones life, but we haven’t noticed any long-term affects. Our witness of the occurrence of transformation appears vital and real, temporarily.
