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Business Communication: Building Critical Skills
Kitty O. Locker, Ohio State University
Steven Kyo Kaczmarek, Columbus State Community College
Kathryn Braun, Sheridan College
Choosing the Right Word

E-Learning Session

  1. Does using the right word really matter? The right word helps you look good and get the response you want.
    1. Use the right word to get your point across.
      • Denotation is a word's literal or dictionary meaning.
      • Bypassing occurs when two people use the same word to mean different things.
    2. Use the right word to get the response you want.
      • Connotation is the emotional colorings or associations that words have.
      • Where possible, use positive rather than negative words. TRANSPARENCY MASTER
      • In general, use short and simple words, not formal and stuffy ones. TRANSPARENCY MASTER Four exceptions:
        1. Use a long word if it is the only word that expresses your meaning exactly.
        2. Use a long word if it is more familiar than a short word.
        3. Use along word if its connotations are more appropriate.
        4. Use a long word if the discourse community prefers it.
          1. CONCEPT CHECK True or False: In most situations, using exit instead of egress would be better because it is a shorter and simpler word. CONCEPT CHECK
  2. How do words get their meanings? Most meanings depend on usage.
    1. Language evolves-how people use words can change their meaning over time.
    2. Two types of dictionaries exist:
      • Descriptive defines words the way people use them.
      • Prescriptive defines words the way they are supposed to be used.
  3. Is it OK to use jargon? If it's essential.
    1. Two kinds of jargon exist; some jargon is acceptable depending on the type and the audience. TRANSPARENCY MASTER
    2. Avoid businessese-words and phrases that are outdated or sound inappropriate.
      • CONCEPT CHECK True or False: Businessese is OK if you feel comfortable using it; after all, if you think it sounds OK, then your reader will, too. CONCEPT CHECK
  4. What words confuse some writers? Words with similar sounds can have very different meanings.
    1. Be careful with commonly confused words that sound alike. TRANSPARENCY MASTER
      • CONCEPT CHECK True or False: This sentence is correct: We had a difficult time choosing among the three candidates who would get the job. CONCEPT CHECK
  5. Go to the Self-Quizzes section if you would like to test your understanding of this module.




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