Let's be honest, I'm not an English Major. In fact, I'm not even close. My spelling is wildly terrible, my grammar lacks a lot ... and I'm just not, okay! But what I can offer to the world of writing is this: three words that make you sound like a worse writer than you actually are. By searching for these three words in my articles, interviews, social media posts, and emails, I'm able to systematically eliminate the things that make me sound ridiculous.
1. Just
This one has been my favourite to eliminate. The word "just" makes you seem apologetic, which I am most certainly not! (Okay, sometimes I am, I'm still a Canadian ... sorry!) But throwing "just" in front of your sentences makes you seem like you don't want to bother someone. Especially in a sales position, this needs to get thrown out the window! Listen to the difference:
"Hey Angela, I just wanted to say thanks for hosting us at the conference last week" vs "Hey Angela, I wanted to say thanks for hosting us at the conference last week".
DUH, the word "just" is always unnecessary!
Sidenote: yes, I realize when talking about if something is "just" or "right" it's a useful word. So if you're a lawyer, don't throw the baby out with the bathwater!
2. Super
This one's for all of you who didn't pay attention in English 9. The word "super" conveys one thing to me: that you can't be bothered to go to thesaurus.com. Seriously! Super sad - no, you mean devastating. Super big - do you mean gigantic?
If you find yourself throwing "super" in front of a word, go ahead and find a better word. You can do it, I believe in you!
Sidenote: if and when "super" must be used, please make sure it's followed up by "duper", 'cause thats just plain funny.
3. Ciao
This one is for a dear coworker, friend, and honourary sister. Chantelle I'm telling you publicly for the last time, stop saying "Ciao"! You are not Italian, I am not Italian, and it isn't middle school. (Am I the only one who was obsessed with saying "ciao" in middle school?
Unless you live in Italy, or frequently find yourself conversing with Italians, I think we can all agree that "Ciao" just isn't right. I mean, its not fair to "Au Revoir" and "Auf Wiedersehen". So unless you're willing to throw in some other languages too, lets stick to English, especially in business contexts!
This one has been my favourite to eliminate. The word "just" makes you seem apologetic, which I am most certainly not! (Okay, sometimes I am, I'm still a Canadian ... sorry!) But throwing "just" in front of your sentences makes you seem like you don't want to bother someone. Especially in a sales position, this needs to get thrown out the window! Listen to the difference:
"Hey Angela, I just wanted to say thanks for hosting us at the conference last week" vs "Hey Angela, I wanted to say thanks for hosting us at the conference last week".
DUH, the word "just" is always unnecessary!
Sidenote: yes, I realize when talking about if something is "just" or "right" it's a useful word. So if you're a lawyer, don't throw the baby out with the bathwater!
2. Super
This one's for all of you who didn't pay attention in English 9. The word "super" conveys one thing to me: that you can't be bothered to go to thesaurus.com. Seriously! Super sad - no, you mean devastating. Super big - do you mean gigantic?
If you find yourself throwing "super" in front of a word, go ahead and find a better word. You can do it, I believe in you!
Sidenote: if and when "super" must be used, please make sure it's followed up by "duper", 'cause thats just plain funny.
3. Ciao
This one is for a dear coworker, friend, and honourary sister. Chantelle I'm telling you publicly for the last time, stop saying "Ciao"! You are not Italian, I am not Italian, and it isn't middle school. (Am I the only one who was obsessed with saying "ciao" in middle school?
Unless you live in Italy, or frequently find yourself conversing with Italians, I think we can all agree that "Ciao" just isn't right. I mean, its not fair to "Au Revoir" and "Auf Wiedersehen". So unless you're willing to throw in some other languages too, lets stick to English, especially in business contexts!