Embracing Digital Diction: It’s the American Way

I recently read a newsletter authored by a childhood friend, Debbie Shames of Eloqui. The opening paragraph of her newsletter explained how American’s made changes to the traditional English vocabulary during the mid-1800’s. Shames said, “We devised expressions that reflected our disdain of formal English pronunciation and culture– such as “stiff upper lip”. This profusion of new vocabulary mirrored our can-do enthusiasm, and adaptation to the challenges of wilderness survival, as well as the establishment of new institutions, like banks and public schools.”

Shames wrapped up her thoughts by urging people to adapt new terms based in technology! As professionals of oratory it is our duty to embrace trending words such as: “tweeting”, “SMS/text messaging” and “social networking” during our presentations.

My advice; try mixing in at least 5 new technology-terms during your next speaking engagement. After all, it is the American way!