Everyone exhibits annoying speech habits at some time or another. Professional speaker Jeff Haden outlined a few favorite (least favorite) speech quirks one might want to avoid:
- False Uncertainty — when one feigns ambivalence about something they are actually quite certain of. For example: “you know, when I think about it… I’m not so sure shutting down that facility isn’t the best option after all.” This tactic is used to include others by showing that the speaker has an open mind and is willing to consider other perspectives — even if they’re not.
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Fake Agreement — when one creates a false feeling of inclusion: "I’m with you…but…" When you disagree with someone, you’re not exactly "with them."
The lesson here? Say what you mean and mean what you say.
(via Lifehacker)
