Silencing the Advice Guru: Unnecassary Words in Communication

If you listen closely to how people communicate, you’ll often notice a clutter of unnecessary words and phrases. These words can obstruct the true essence of their message, often serving more as verbal tics than useful contributions to the conversation. It’s the how and what they choose to omit or phrase that really matters.

Unnecessary Words in Common Phrases

A great example of such unnecessary filler could be the statement: “Filler words or phrases make you feel like you don’t have a headache.”

Such statements are often just an attempt to sound more legitimate, but they add no real value to the argument. The underlying meaning and the truth lie in what is actually being said or implied, rather than the form it takes. It’s the precision of the language that truly matters, not the extra words that clutter it.

Step 1: Awareness is the First Step

Just as doctors or medical professionals might be using unnecessary language to appear authoritative, so too can advisors and advice-givers be overly verbose to mask a lack of understanding or to obfuscate the truth. Stay alert to these verbal tics and be mindful of when and where they appear in conversations.

Be a Critical Listener

Listening critically involves hearing more than just the words spoken. It requires paying attention to the emotional tone, the context, and the intent behind the words. Often, what is not said is just as important as what is said.

Step 2: Questioning the Subtext

When someone makes a statement laced with unnecessary words or phrases, take a moment to question the message beyond the words themselves. Does the claim make sense even without the fluff? Could the same point be made more succinctly?

Avoiding the Filler Trap

For instance, instead of saying, “Another version is that...”, consider using “Another view is that...” or “Consider this alternative...” These alternatives can make your speech more direct and to the point, avoiding unnecessary filler words.

Step 3: Practice and Awareness

Become more aware of your own speech patterns. Are you often guilty of using unnecessary words? Practice identifying these words in your own speech and gradually wean yourself away from them. This can be a challenging process, but it’s worth it for clearer communication and more effective problem-solving.

Self-Reflection

Paying attention to your own language can help you refine your communication skills and make you more effective in conveying your ideas. Practice develops the mind to catch and eliminate excess words, leaving only the most pertinent and meaningful ones to be heard.

Conclusion: Embrace Precision

Communication is a two-way street. By becoming more aware of unnecessary words and phrases in both your speech and the speech of others, you can improve your overall communication skills. This involves questioning what isn’t said and acknowledging that the true value of a statement often lies in the delivery and the intent behind it.

By honing your ability to catch and avoid unnecessary words, you will not only become a more effective communicator but also a more discerning listener, capable of discerning the true meaning in any conversation.