|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 104. Use the simple word when the simple word will do. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 105. Substitute new words permanently for those you can't pronounce. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 106. Select powerful verbs. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 107. Cut adjective and adverb clutter. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 108. Avoid "et cetera" and other substitutes for lazy thinking. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 109. Rid yourself of junk words. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 111. Push other people to be specific. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 112. Choose precise words. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 113. Use concrete words rather than abstract ones. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 114. Beware of misleading with connotation and denotation. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 115. Make semantics a big concern. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 116. Remember that personal experience affects interpretation. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 117. Remember that meaning comes from context. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 118. Don't attach too much significance to a less than well-chosen word used carelessly. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 119. Use honest words. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 120. Never say never, none, all, everything, totally, constantly. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 121. Minimize times when you have to use should, must, will, ought statements. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 122. Recognize weasel words as escape hatches. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 123. Don't destroy your position with disclaimers. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 124. Avoid ending every statement with a question. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 125. Recognize the royal "we" as an epithet. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 126. Pay attention to the stress on words. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 127. Eliminate redundancies. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 128. Grapple with grammar. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 129. Use poor grammar only for an intended effect. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 130. Use up-to-date slang. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 131. Overcome sloppy diction. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 132. Avoid being so overly precise that you sound like a stuffed shirt. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 133. Use your speaking voice, not your writing voice. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 134. Speak with the appropriate formality or informality. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 135. Take cues about first-name/last-name preference from how the other person answers the telephone. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 136. Recognize name-dropping as an attempt to gain status. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 137. Avoid sexist language. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 138. Know the value of understatement. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 139. Don't exaggerate. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 140. Fight the urge to top off the tank. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 141. Avoid overqualifying. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tip 142. Cut long prefaces to your points. |
|
|
|
|
|