Words Matter #2: Three dead-weight words to leave behind

Seasoned travelers are selective about which items make it into their suitcase.

Effective communicators are as selective about which words make it into their vocabulary.

Here are 3 dead-weight words to leave behind:

But: (The eraser) obliterates anything positive that comes before it. Case in point: “You’re a really nice person, but we should break up.” Either say what comes before the b-word or what comes after it. You can’t have it both ways.
Just: (The reducer) minimizes whatever follows it. We all know, “I just need a moment of your time” or “Oh, I just threw dinner together… no trouble at all” shouldn’t be taken literally. Instead of downplaying your needs or accomplishments, state them plainly.
Try: (The delayer) creates a diversion from the inevitable (sometimes awkward) truth. Let’s be real… “I’ll try to give you a call” is code for, “Don’t expect to hear from me.” Next time you say, “I’ll try…” compare it to your inner monologue. The disparity may be eye-opening.

Words matter. Unpack the dead-weight that erases, reduces, and delays.

Click to hone your skills with another topic in the Words Matter series: