1. 1 Work with Words

2. 2 Objectives To select precisely the right words required to communicate your ideas clearly and vividly To select precisely the right words required to communicate your ideas clearly and vividly To avoid lengthy words and sentences and jargon To avoid lengthy words and sentences and jargon Time: Five to seven minutes Time: Five to seven minutes

3. 3 Write for the Ear Oral language must be immediately understandable to the ear, because listeners do not have chance to “ go back. ” Oral language must be immediately understandable to the ear, because listeners do not have chance to “ go back. ” Speak informally. Use familiar words and concepts. Speak informally. Use familiar words and concepts.

4. 4 Use Short Words The most memorable words to listeners are short – usually one syllable. The most memorable words to listeners are short – usually one syllable. Too LongBetter abbreviateshorten advisetell currentlynow generatemake inquireask requireneed terminateend

5. 5 Don ’ t Use Jargon Avoid specialized words generally found only in certain professions unless you are speaking to people in those professions. Avoid specialized words generally found only in certain professions unless you are speaking to people in those professions. JargonBetter conceptualizeimagine finalizefinish implementbegin infrastructureframework operationalworking utilizationuse

6. 6 Use Vivid Words Use descriptive words that paint pictures the audience can see. Use descriptive words that paint pictures the audience can see. “ Helena picked up the jar and looked at it. ”  “ Helena picked up the blue china jar and ran her fingers over the smooth surface. ” “ Helena picked up the jar and looked at it. ”  “ Helena picked up the blue china jar and ran her fingers over the smooth surface. ”

7. 7 Use Words Economically Try to say a lot in as few words as possible. Try to say a lot in as few words as possible. Redundant: as you know, I think, needless to say, etc. Redundant: as you know, I think, needless to say, etc. A large number of  Many A large number of  Many At the present time  Now At the present time  Now In the event of  If In the event of  If

8. 8 Use Short Sentences Short sentences have more power and impact, and audiences will remember them longer. Short sentences have more power and impact, and audiences will remember them longer. Use longer sentences periodically to add variety, but make sure the audience can easily follow them. Use longer sentences periodically to add variety, but make sure the audience can easily follow them.

9. 9 Use Active, not Passive Voice Active voice uses fewer words, is easier to follow, and sounds more vigorous and interesting. Active voice uses fewer words, is easier to follow, and sounds more vigorous and interesting. Use active voice whenever possible in your sentences. Use active voice whenever possible in your sentences.

10. 10 Preparing Your Talk Carefully select words, making sure they are clear, accurate, colorful, and as short as possible. Carefully select words, making sure they are clear, accurate, colorful, and as short as possible. Pay attention to sentence construction and length. Pay attention to sentence construction and length. Analyze words and sentences to be certain they contain your meaning to the audience. Analyze words and sentences to be certain they contain your meaning to the audience.