Vocabulary

Imagine for a moment that you have hired a carpenter to install a custom set of cabinets in your home. He arrives carrying a tool box. He sets the box down, opens it up, and takes out a hammer. You look into the box and see that there are no other tools--a hammer is the only thing he has with which to do the work! At that point, you may well consider hiring a different carpenter. In communications, vocabulary is your tool box; and a limited vocabulary puts stringent constraints on your ability to share ideas and motivate listeners.

The free dictionary offers this definition of vocabulary: the sum of words used by, understood by, or at the command of a particular person or group. A limited vocabulary means that you have fewer words at your command. When you are applying for a job, when you are making a presentation, when you are giving a speech, an important part of your success will come from the words you choose to use.

Why? Because your vocabulary enables your listeners to properly understand and evaluate your message, but you too are being judged by the words you employ. Suppose that you are interviewing two candidates for an open postion. The first says: "I had a good time at my old job. It was good work and I got some good experience. I think I can do a good job for your company."The second says: "My previous position was very enjoyable. The work was challenging and exciting and gave me some unique experience. I believe I can use that experience to do an exceptional job for your company."

All else being equal, which of the two would move to the top your list of potential hires? The amazing thing is that it isn't difficult to build your vocabulary. The two easiest ways are:

1. Read ... but read for understanding. Too often, we simply skip over the words we don't understand and guess at what the writer is saying from the context. But to truly understand a piece, we need to keep a dictionary on hand to look up unfamiliar words. This may seem cumbersome at first, but soon, it becomes second-nature, even ejoyable. Understanding also means pausing for a moment to reflect on why a writer chose to use one word over another. Why, for example, say 'cumbersome' instead of 'difficult'?

2. Study. You first learned vocabulary in grade school. It usually meant getting a list of words to learn to spell, memorize, and use in practice sentences. There are several programs on line that will help you build your vocabualry. Also, something as simple as a word-a-day calendar will be helpful. It just requires you to put forth the time and effort (it's the same thing Mrs. Hoffstetler told me in second grade!).

So, work on that vocabulary. Avoid frustration and disappointment; find the joy and excitement and accomplshment that comes with a full communications tool-box!

By: Joe Fairchild