I am an admitted optimist. I confess. I wear a pair of rose-colored glasses. Although it may prevent me from seeing all pitfalls, people tell me it’s part of my charm. I like words like wonderful, sweet, fun, awesome. I often act like a little kid in my glee.

Something I’ve noticed, though, in doing interviews recently, is that I say certain words and phrases a lot. As a writer and an interviewer, that can be a mistake. I am doing what I can to become aware of these habits and learn to incorporate new, fresh phrases. It only takes a time or two of being recorded to notice when I laugh too loud, or say “um” too much, or repeat “wonderful” a dozen times. If you haven’t ever recorded yourself, you might try it. It’s a real eye-opener.

What about you? Have you noticed anything like this about yourself? Are there things you do habitually that could be refreshed? I bet there are. Are you aware of the words you use regularly? Is it worthwhile to find a few new turns of phrases? Of course it is, and, that creative process of seeking out alternatives will be invigorating.

Game for the day: Pick a word you use often and find a dozen alternatives and begin using them.

Here’s mine: Wonderful can also be

  • fantastic
  • great
  • stupendous
  • amazing
  • impressive
  • fabulous
  • incredible
  • mind blowing
  • out of this world (yes, you can find slang too—have some fun with it. It’s a game!)
  • Dyno-mite! :-)
  • awe inspiring

I could probably go on, but you get the point, right? After single words, start examining your phrases. I have go-to phrases too. The idea is to branch out, try new things, and let the power of words really help you rather than put you in a rut. You’ll be a better writer, a more engaging speaker, and you can impress your friends with your grand vocabulary. Enjoy!

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

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