FRTM - THE GRAMMARIAN’S REPORT by Lisa Johnson Mandell

From: Pat Sanchez <patrick.asanchez@xxxxxxxxx>
To: frtm@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2011 11:09:27 -0700 (PDT)
http://d26toastmasters.org/dialogue/july2011.pdf
 
THE GRAMMARIAN’S REPORT
Lisa Johnson Mandell
 
Hiring managers see and hear it all and
some are expressing their frustration with
the lack of quality language skills among
many of today’s young job applicants. Despite
qualified job-related education and
experience, poor language skills are often
a deal breaker.
 
Toastmasters teaches us to eliminate the
filler such as “ah/um” but today’s youth
have adopted a broader range of filler to
include excessive and inappropriate use of 
“like” and “ya know,” to the chagrin of
business leaders.
 
These phrases are annoying and those
who use them are perceived to be less
professional.
 
Most of those who have adopted this form
of speech are not even aware they are
doing it until someone points it out.
 
English is a living language that is constantly
evolving. Toastmasters is a progressive
learning organization that promotes
itself as experts on communications skills.
 
All clubs should impress upon members
how important it is to eliminate filler, no
matter what kind, from our vocabulary,
and teaching our children from an early
age can jump-start their success.
 
 
So, Um, Like I Really Want This Job, Ya Know?
By Lisa Johnson Mandell

 
For years baby boomers have been aggravated by young job applicants who use 
terms like, "uh," "like" and "ya know" excessively, and now there's research 
that says it's more than just an aggravation -- it could well be a deal breaker.
 
That's according to research conducted by the Department of Psychology, 
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For the study, they set up mock 
job interviews with hiring professionals, and then spoke with the interviewers 
about their impressions.
 
They came to the conclusion that adult professionals were least likely to want 
to hire those who used the word "like" excessively and incorrectly. The 
interviewers also perceived the applicant to be less professional, and were 
less likely to recommend the Gratuitous, as well as incorrect use of the word 
"like" seems to really rub many people the wrong way, and most of those who 
overuse it have no idea they're doing it. Sentences such as, "So he's like, 
'You're the best worker I've ever seen,' and that, like, made me feel I'm like, 
so professional," could drive an interviewer mad. Surprisingly enough, the 
interviewers preferred "uh" to "like."
 
"Ya know?" is another over-used phrase that annoys many people. To become more 
aware of it, count the number of times it's used in conversations on reality 
shows like 'The Bachelor,' where the chats are often similar to mini 
interviews. Or, have your best friend count the number of times you say "Ya 
know?" during the course of a five minute conversation. The number of times it 
pops up will probably amaze you.
FRTM - THE GRAMMARIAN’S REPORT by Lisa Johnson Mandell

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