| p>Is your communication full of cliches and tired old | | | | respectful) |
| expressions? In public speaking, frequently using | | | | 6. "Absolutely" (I overuse this phrase and am working |
| phrases like "you know" and "see what I mean" can | | | | on reducing how many times I start my sentences |
| be just as distracting to your listeners as frequently | | | | with it, especially when responding to a question) |
| using filler words like "um" and "ah." These tired and | | | | 7. "It's a nightmare" (usually this phrase is an |
| overused words and phrases dilute the power of the | | | | exaggeration - avoid it unless the seriousness of the |
| message you are trying to convey. | | | | situation truly warrants it) |
| According to Jeremy Butterfield's book Damp Squid: | | | | 8. "Shouldn't of" (this is my personal pet peeve and I |
| The English Language Laid Bare, here are the ten | | | | hear and see it everywhere - the correct phrase |
| most overused expressions, along with my | | | | should be "shouldn't have") |
| comments: | | | | 9. "24/7" (at one time, this may have been an |
| 1. "At the end of the day" (one of those phrases | | | | interesting, unique phrase, but it has become so |
| which has been overused and is now essentially | | | | overused as to render it tired and cliched) |
| meaningless) | | | | 10. "It's not rocket science" (another popular variation |
| 2. "Fairly unique" (impossible - it's either unique or it's | | | | is "it's not brain surgery" - reduce usage of these |
| not) | | | | phrases because obviously, very little is rocket |
| 3. "I personally think" (you don't need "personally" | | | | science or brain surgery) |
| because "I" already conveys who is doing the | | | | What is your personal top ten list of overused |
| thinking) | | | | phrases? Once you've identified them, replace them |
| 4. "At this moment in time" (replace with "now" - | | | | in your public speaking with more powerful and |
| using fewer words is usually better) | | | | evocative words that will help you convey your |
| 5. "With all due respect" (eliminate, since it's usually | | | | message clearly and memorably. |
| followed by a statement that is anything but | | | | |