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Use Your Own Words - Part 1

You will sound natural.

Your own words are more likely to convey your meaning.

You will impress the group with your sincerity.

You can pronounce your own words.

Not long ago one of the boys was giving a talk before a group of fellows in the office. Somewhere in that speech he had written a sentence which started, "This epitomizes. . . ." It came like a bolt out of the blue. The audience started in shocked surprise. This was not Pete, their pal, their friend. This was some stuffed shirt who looked like Pete, sounding off with big words. They didn't titter at Pete's big words or smile politely. No, the brothers laughed out loud.

Many times, in conversation with my youngsters, I have used words not normally used in conversation with them. The kids, much like these friends of Pete's, never fail to rush forth with the razz berry. Of course, when you deliver your speech, your audi­ence will not do that for you. They'll let you go on, give you rope, and shrug their shoulders. Because it's your speech. But you can't assume you're fooling them because they don't let you know. No, they spot you, peg you for the phony you are, and rate your cause along with you.

Your own words are more likely to convey your meaning. The other day a newspaper reporter interviewed a friend of mine. The friend gave him a statement. Later, when the reporter wrote it from the notes, he asked me, "What's this fellow trying to cover up?" I checked with the man who gave the statement and found that he wasn't trying to cover up anything. The chance to talk to a reporter was too much for him and he talked in big words, which, when tied together end-to-end, meant nothing. If he hadn't been swept off his feet by the fact that he was giving an interview, he might have used his own words and told the reporter exactly what he meant. But asked to furnish information, he set out to make an impression and what he said in his Sunday vocabulary added up to zero.

Perhaps in some speeches you will want to tell the audience nothing. But that's not the kind of speech we are discussing. When you want to cover up, dust off the glittering generalities and put them to work. But don't go highbrow when you are writing a speech to tell Joe Doakes how to sell his product or to get Joe steamed up about contributing to the Community Fund. Remem­ber always that when you use your own words, you can come closer to saying exactly what you mean.

Related terms include copywriting and inspirational speeches.