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Discard Weak Language
- 1. Discard Weak Language Helpful hints for public relations and marketing professionals
- 2. Remove the following words and phrases from your vocabulary in your business writing
- 3. just Reason: a filler word; it does not add value to your sentence Result: a tighter, more direct sentence
- 4. really ~ very ~ a lot Reason: used for verbal emphasis; these words do not translate well into written text Result: a stronger message “The rock is really hard.” vs. “The rock is hard.”
- 5. perhaps ~ maybe sort of ~ kind of Reason: communicates uncertainty and vagueness Result: a clear and explicit message
- 6. quite Reason: sometimes it adds meaning and sometimes adds fluff Hint: Know the difference and when in doubt, discard
- 7. amazing Reason: overused Hint: If everything is amazing, then nothing is
- 8. literally Reason: overused and usually fluff Hint: Use to clarify meaning, to explain that you are not joking when it is perceived that you are
- 9. stuff ~ things ~ got Reason: informal and generic Result: a clarified sentence when replaced with a more descriptive word
- 10. you Reason: implies that you are writing to AND about the reader; renders statement otherwise false Hint: Do not use when making general statements
- 11. feel Reason: convolutes message – write what is actually being felt Result: emotions are conveyed with colorful language
- 12. I think ~ I believe Reason: an opinion Result: the message is straightforward
- 13. as Reason: implies you can do two things at once Result: clarifies sentence when replaced with proper word “Take a drink as you lie down.” vs. “Take a drink, then lie down.”
- 14. like Reason: if it is LIKE something, it is NOT that thing; makes writing tedious "Using these words is like baking with spoiled milk.” Hint: Give accurate descriptions and use correct verbs to reduce the need to use it
- 15. used to Reason: fewer words is always better Hint: Replace used to with a past tense verb “She used to write fiction.” vs. “She wrote fiction.”
- 16. To learn more about McKinney & Associates, visit www.mckpr.com McKinney & Associates was founded in 1990 with a commitment to social justice that has prevailed for nearly 25 years. From the beginning, McKinney has passionately and skillfully practiced public relations with a conscience for local, national and international organizations.
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