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Winston Churchill Gives Communication Advice

By Bonnie Budzowski
President, InCredible Messages, LP

In a legendary anecdote, described by Richard Lanham in Revising Prose, an American general asks Winston Churchill to read a draft of a speech the general has prepared. The following quote is Churchill’s critique of the general’s speech:

Too many Latinate polysyllabics like “systematize, prioritize, finalize.” And then the passives. What if I [Churchill] had said—instead of “We shall fight on the beaches”—“Hostilities will be engaged on the coastal perimeter”?

You can improve communication by changing lofty words into everyday words, except where a lofty word carries a precise and necessary meaning. Here are some examples of words you can easily change:

Your business culture may encourage the use of unnecessarily lofty words—Churchill’s polysyllabic words. One communication expert refers to such language as pseudo-speak. Whatever you call it, do your best to get rid of it. Your colleagues will be grateful. They might even follow your example.
 

Permission is granted to reprint this article when the following contact information is included: © 2010 by Bonnie Budzowski, President of InCredible Messages, LP. For more free articles, go to www.IncredibleMessages.com or contact Bonnie at info@IncredibleMessages.com.

Bonnie Budzowski, President of inCredible Messages, is a recognized expert—helping people to use influence and persuasion to sell their ideas and move business forward. Bonnie is a professional speaker, author and coach. She recently launched a new coaching project to help her clients "Write the Book of Their Dreams."

Clients appreciate Bonnie’s practical, humorous and high-energy approach. She holds an MA in Communication and has been called upon to work with corporations, entrepreneurs, universities, and associations.

If you’d like to sell your ideas, boost your influence, or advance your career through a book or presentation, call Bonnie at 412-828-1629, bonnie@inCredibleMessages.com or visit her website at www.inCredibleMessages.com. 

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