Communication Tips and Tools

February 2014

In November Tips & Tools I advised my readers to be careful about the words and labels they use. I cited examples that debate the old saying "sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never harm me".

Some marketers also think it's wise to avoid what they consider overused words and buzzwords. Making the list of "tired terms": 'creative, results-oriented, it is what it is' and 'key take-aways'.

Not a bad idea to give your terminology a "freshness test" now and then.

See if you agree with the lists at the links below (or if you're using some of them and disagree)!

TIPS & TOOLS: Overused Words & Buzzwords

The marketing world is famous for inventing (or at least recycling) creative words and phrases. Eventually, like most trendy vernacular, the latest

Click image for this list

buzzword ends up on an "overused list". Remember 'paradigm shift'? Will 'content marketing' and 'digital strategy' soon be on a list?

Social media and the Internet have spawned a whole new lexicon. Is it too early to grow weary of 'hashtag, like me', or 'go viral'? How are you at keeping up with BFF, CYFB, G2G, NM and NP?

If you're reworking your website copy, blogging, emailing or tweeting, take a peek at these lists:

9 Buzzwords that can make you sound dumb by Mike Periu, Director, Council of Economic Education.

16 words you should not use to describe yourself by Jeff Haden, Ghostwriter, Speaker, Inc. Magazine Columnist

Laughs & Lessons

Found on the Internet - funny (and strange) metaphors; not sure of the original source, but here are examples:

Her vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever.
His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.
He was deeply in love. When she spoke, he thought he heard bells, as if she were a garbage truck backing up.

More of these crazy metaphors here (pdf)

"Love doesn't make the world go 'round; Love is what makes the ride worthwhile." --- Franklin P. Jones

Inspiration

The Paper Airplane

This lesson in creativeness is worth the time - more "mature" adults will relish the clips of JFK, MLK Jr. and 60's TV shows.

Click here to enjoy and
share with friends.

More Tips & Tools

Newsletter topics

Remember, your newsletter needs to give your readers something they can use, not just a sales pitch. Inform, entertain or educate them.

Here are some ideas for your newsletter:

> Personal story

> Business story

> How to

> Customer spotlight

> Community spotlight

Keep it short; for longer copy use a 'read more' link to a web page or pdf document... and don't be afraid to have some fun.

*************

Need to check out previous Tips & Tools? Here's the archive - last 6 issues.

If you'd like to receive Tips and Tools each month, click this button.

OR Text

WRITETOUCH to 22828