It’s on the Tip of my Tongue!
How to Say What You Mean
By Aaron Nielsenshultz
We have a beautiful language. It’s expressive, poetic, emotional, precise—that is, when it’s used correctly. How do you get the most power out of language? From the smallest, yet most important part of it: Words. Choose the right word, and you make beautiful meaning. Choose the wrong word, and, at best, you don’t mean what you think you mean. With a little practice, you can get the most out of your words, and that’ll help more than just your crossword ability.
Learn a word a day
There are many good online resources that will send you a word a day, or you can get a desk calendar. But the best way to improve your working vocabulary—and thereby your vocabulary recall—is to learn and use new words every day. You can start with our WordBlog.
Simple is better
Of course, knowing your audience is important when it comes to deciding on words, but for the most part, go with direct, simple, and straight forward words.
Use the dictionary, not the thesaurus
At times the thesaurus can be an effective tool, but it’s more often a danger. Synonyms do not always mean the same thing, and since they can carry shades of meaning, you can end up pretty far off from where you want to be.
Avoid cliché
On one hand, clichés communicate ideas that we all understand—that’s why they’re clichés. When we use clichés in writing, though, they allow us to say something without thinking about it. Instead of falling back on the cliché, use your own words to say what you mean. The effect will be clearer and less likely to be ignored.
Leave jargon and acronyms behind
Every field has its own jargon, and for the most part, that jargon is just about unintelligible to people out of the field. Unless your audience EXPECTS jargon, avoid your profession’s technical and insider terms. Remember, simple is better. Acronyms, too, have their place, but since there are many meanings to take out of an acronym, it’s better to write out what you mean the first time, at least.
Don’t forget that your words do the leg work. If your words aren’t working for you, chances are nothing else will be, either!
© 2006 Red Pepper Writing
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Yara and Aaron Nielsenshultz, the Writing "Peppers" and founders of Red Pepper Writing, teach ambitious Coaches, Consultants, and other Solopreneurs how to use powerful writing to get more clients and make more money. For FREE weekly writing tips, visit http://www.redpepperwriting.com.
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