Catch yourself!

Hi all!

I am back after a short enforced holiday. I took the opportunity to think about some stale habits that we all have picked up in our everyday communication.

One of the easily noticed habits is using the same set of words. I don't mean the words such as 'fine' or 'ok'.. I mean words such as 'palpable'.
Let me assure you, I know that we all have our favourite words and styles.. I have mine.. and would not like to be told that it is too much!
But 'palpable' .. ? Crossing limits a bit there, don't you think? Some of these words can be technical or domain specific jargon. That is fine, if you are a doctor, 'prescription' is a word that cannot be avoided.. likewise if you are a priest 'blessing' is one word that you cannot avoid. We are not talking about those kinds of words.

Most often such words happen to be descriptions or fillers. Words like 'Actually', 'Well' 'etc' are fillers. Words such as 'wonderful', 'great', 'abysmal' are descriptions that are overused. You will find them in newspapers articles, speeches and in common conversations.

Another habit is ....being overly formal. If we go with the premise that communication is all about connecting with people, then overly formal communication can feel too cold and unfeeling. If you are at the receiving end, it can put you off. I get mails from a service provider whose mail always starts by asking for my valuable feedback. There have been a couple of instances in our interaction where feedback was needed, but not all the time. It is even used in the mails he sends where there is an invoice attached! Hmm..., should I send some extremely valuable feedback instead of a cheque for a couple of thousand rupees... I wonder?
Do remember, it is not only is about formal language but also the medium. Printed letters are more formal than emails, emails are more formal than sms.. you knew that.. didn't you? But when do you use printed documents or letters?
Once you put something on paper, it has an air of finality to it, so think twice about printing out an email in the middle of a discussion and asking your team member if this is ok? Let the discussion continue until the key points are agreed and then send a mail in confirmation, only then print it out. and that too only if it is needed.

What is the main message of the rambling note? Well the message is .... moderation!

A good word to remember. Formality, jargon, habits.. moderation is the key.

That is all for the week.

I am enjoying your mails with feedback.. please keep them coming.

Also, do feel free to post on this site.

If any of you want me to focus on one particular point or issue in communication, do let me know!

See you all next week.

Gayatri