Choosing your words wisely is probably the basis of all spoken communication. No matter what type of conversational setting a person is in, making sure the right message being conveyed is all in what words that person uses.
- Watch what you say in front of certain people. I think that this is very important because there are some things that you don’t tell people. Whether it’s something mean or something personal, that should remain personal, everything isn’t meant for everyone to hear. You also want to make sure that if you are telling a person something, that you’re okay with anyone around possibly overhearing what you say. If you’re not comfortable with someone around knowing what you have to say, then it’s simply not the right time or place for you to say it.
- Understand that a lot of words in the English language have more than one meaning and it’s very possible for your words to be taken out of context or misinterpreted by using these words incorrectly. My advice would be to use any synonym of the word if possible and if you’re not able to use a synonym, make sure to use context clues in your wording so that the person or people you’re talking to understand which definition of the word you’re trying to use.
- I’m sure we’ve all heard the phrase, “It’s not what you say, but how you say it.” This simple cliche also plays an important part of using words wisely. The pronunciation and annunciation of a word doesn’t have the power to change the meaning of it, but it can definitely change the interpretation of it.
Spoken Art 