Jazz Up Your Speech - Part 2

 

By the time we reach adulthood, language researchers estimate we know anywhere from 7,000 to 20,000 words. That’s a lot of words. Unfortunately, we seldom use them all, at least, not on a regular basis.

This means that you already know lots of words. You are probably not using these words as often as you could and in the all the ways that you could. Most people go through the day saying the same things in the same way and only using a small percentage of their active, available, and useable vocabulary.

People rely on tired phrases like, “Where did I put my stuff? I have to get my things.” What did you mean? What stuff, what things? Using the terms stuff and things instead of a more precise term is a way to avoid the work of thinking and over time, you lose access to the words you already know and a good deal of clarity.

A simple and effective way to give more life to your speech is to improve your vocabulary and use more of the words you already know.

Tip #2. Start by eliminating or reducing the number of times you say stuff or things in a day. Simply substitute one of your own words for the vague terms stuff and things.

Pick one, either stuff or things, and focus on substituting a different word for one day, 24 hours. Pick one word, for example stuff, and focus on not saying stuff for one whole day. Use the same strategy for things the next day. (Stuffing the turkey does not count.)

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