How we speak spills over into how we think, how we write, and more importantly, how people hear us.
Don’t Lose the Listener:
If we insert “like” between everything, are we truly making our point? As the listener, I cannot hear what someone is actually saying, because honestly, I’m trying to wade through all of the unnecessary, superfluous “like” interjections.
I understand we need to pause and think before finishing a sentence. I’m not saying I flow immaculately in my verbal speech. It’s okay not to interject anything for a pause.
If we don’t speak adequately, how can we expect to write adequately, or communicate well in general?
It Matters
Our verbal speech affects our written speech, and vice versa.
Sometimes we just fall into bad habits of speech, especially in daily conversation. We should just try to pay more attention to how others communicate with us, and also try to be aware of how we express ourselves as well. The better we communicate, the more people can understand what we’re trying to say.
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Sometimes the truth is
Jenn said:
But … like … I need the space provided by the word like to formulate my … like … deep thoughts!
Just kidding.
April 10, 2008 @ 3:19 pm
Charles said:
“It’s okay not to interject anything for a pause.”
It’s not just okay, I think it should be highly encouraged so people can formulate what they’re actually trying to say. This also gives them the chance to think before they speak which is always a plus.
Great post.
“Don’t be hasty…” -Treebeard
April 10, 2008 @ 5:29 pm
Eleanor said:
I once had a choir director at a summer course who, when he ate with us in the cafeteria, would count the number of times we said “like.” We knew that as long as he was counting, he wasn’t really listening to what we were saying, and we would have to stop saying “like” if we wanted an audience. I still slip back into that habit, but I think that was very good training. My parents interrupt me everytime I use incorrect grammar. I encourage parents to try one of these options.
April 11, 2008 @ 1:00 pm