Step off colloquialisms, clichés for a good impression

By MIMI KO CRUZ, Special Advertising Sections Writer

Drumming up business, um, is, like, hard to do when you’re a cliché-throwing, slang-slinging speaker who can’t communicate effectively. You may as well talk to the hand, or ’til you’re blue in the face. Makes no matter, you’re language is improper, informal and incomprehensible.

“Aside from physical features, one of the first things we notice about people is the way that they speak,” said UCLA English Professor Gina Shaffer. “Being able to communicate effectively is crucial to making a good impression professionally.”

In the business world, communication is key, said Gloria J. Petersen, president of Global Protocol, a business protocol and training firm based in Chicago.

She said that when colloquialisms and clichés find their way into a business environment, they can make conversation confusing and create misunderstandings.

For example, Petersen cited one of her clients’ experiences: “Sanjay, a University of Chicago international student from India, was participating in a group discussion. He said something profound and another member of the group said, ‘Get out of here!’ Confused Sanjay started to walk away. Concerned , the group called out, ‘Sanjay, where are you going?’ The confused Sanjay replied, ‘You told me to get out of here.’ They, then, explained: ‘That is not what we meant.’ Sanjay eventually found the humor in the situation and learned something about American colloquialism.”

Often, however, one is not afforded the chance to explain expressions that can be misconstrued by those being wooed as business partners, Petersen said. Therefore, she said, people who avoid verbal blunders, slang and clichés in the workplace can be more successful in their business interactions.

Speaking in proper English is a skill that requires concentration and self-consciousness, according to language experts. It means making sure to avoid the slang and nonstandard phrasing that have become familiar through exposure to music, television and film.

“Slang and nonstandard English phrasing are pervasive in American pop culture,” Shaffer said. “These grammatically incorrect expressions can work their way into everyday language as a way of rebelling against the rigid authority associated with the rules of grammar. It’s a way of experiencing your right to free speech — free from grammatical restrictions, that is.”

She added: “It’s difficult to monitor your usage in spontaneous conversation and, in most cases, we don’t even need to. But, if you’re in a business situation, it’s important to be conscious of the way you are speaking. If you use incorrect grammar and slang, you run the risk of creating skepticism about your professional competence.”

Too many young people today speak in their own lingo, which can be as inappropriate as it is appropriate, Petersen said. “They have short cuts, derogatory phrases, and unfortunately, inappropriate language that has become such a natural part of their daily communication that they are not drawing the line when they go into the workplace where good and appropriate English is expected.”

She gave the following examples of words and phrases that should be avoided in a professional workplace:

• Using the word “like” or saying “you know” between sentences or to bridge sentences.
• Using foul language casually or derogative descriptive words.
• Using an excessive amount of fillers, such as “um,” “uh” or “whatever.”
• Usine phrases such as “You dig?” “Nope,” “Wadda ya gonna do?” “Hey buddy” and “Ya gonna step on it?”

“Everything is about improving communication,” Petersen said. “We complicate things by adding colloquialisms. People who want to succeed in business should be made aware of why it’s so important to stay away from jargon and speak in a language that is easily understandable.”

Those who are interested in improving business communication skills could check out local colleges, universities and private companies, such as Global Protocol, that offer such courses.

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