| Richard Hadden Author, speaker Contented Cow Partners | Peggy Johnson Boutique owner, speaker Toastmasters International | Snowden McFall Author, speaker Brightwork Advertising & Training Inc. | Barbara Tolliver-HaskinsExecutive coach Executive Coaching Solutions | |
| Why do some words and cliches circulate so much and for so long? | Like so much of modern language, these cliches probably originate on TV, in movies, and now in podcasts. We hear these words and phrases used repeatedly. That introduces the terms into the popular culture, and from there, they spread like wildfire. Then, they’re picked up by people we work with, including our bosses. Eventually, we find these words creeping into our everyday speech. | Anything in life lasts due to its usefulness and appeal. Words and phrases are no different. When we find ‘shortcuts’ in communication that work to convey an idea, we use them, many times too much. | Cliches are words and phrases that have become trite, hackneyed and overused. They are popular in the media, in conversation and in writing because they represent verbal shortcuts, such as ‘about face’ and ‘level playing field.’ They are usually colorful and descriptive. | The more powerful the users, the longer words and clichés circulate. I would note, though, that the grapevine also has its informal influence on the life cycle of words used within an organization. From my perspective, the culture of the organization plays a vital role in the acceptance or rejection of certain words. |
| How does the use of cliches reflect on the user? | Sometimes it makes the user of these cliches appear that they didn’t put a lot of thought into what they were saying, and just went for the easy phrase. This sounds harsh, but I think it has to be said. It may make the listener think the user isn’t very bright. That also applies to phrases like ‘first annual,’ ‘consensus of opinion’ and ‘the ultimate goal,’ which are either wrong or redundant. It reflects a certain lack of self-confidence. | It shows a person who is relatively well-read, to have gathered the information to begin with, someone who gathers their information through books, the newspaper, watching television and being steeped in his or her particularly industry. Others say it is laziness, not wanting to think for themselves. | Those who frequently converse with cliche-laden verbiage may bore their listener or come across as less than original, and part of this comes from the media. A phrase such as the oft-overused ‘at the end of the day’ echoes in TV shows, news reports, political speeches and articles. It is frequently redundant and, at this point, tiresome. | Allowing ourselves to use overused words challenges our authenticity and believability. As an executive coach, when there are trust issues, we focus on the perception of the leader’s authenticity. Overused words and cliches detract rather than build meaningful and trusting relationships. Associates may not say it, but their behaviors will reflect a lack of respect and trust in our statements or promises. |
| Do people realize how much they use them? | No, they don’t. It’s a lack of attention, probably caused by lots of things competing for their thoughts. They’re not paying attention to the fact that others overuse them, and they’re not listening to themselves. If they were to do so, they’d probably cringe a little and put more variety into what they say and write. | I don’t believe they do many times. Again, it is ease of communication and something they hear so much. It becomes an effortless way to express thoughts and ideas. | No, I don’t think they do. The phrases become so popularized that they become second nature. | Often these words become a part of our vocabulary and comfort zone. If they are accepted in our environment and endorsed by those around us, we may become unaware. |
| How do you stop using them? | Listen to yourself and enlist the help of others in listening to you. If you’re writing, filter your piece against these words and phrases. Unless it really is the best word or phrase to use, replace it with something else. Be critical of yourself, before others have the chance. Use a dictionary and thesaurus, in print or online. Beware the temptation to use these sources to suggest obscure or pretentious words, but rather to help you think of the best words to use. | Just by becoming more aware. I think Toastmasters is a breaking ground for awareness through learning to speak and receiving evaluations of each speech, such as being made aware of the ‘ums’ and ‘ahs’ we don’t hear when we speak. | So how can you break yourself of the habit? One way is to preview anything you write by using |
cliché finding websites. Search online for helpful sites.