Why I Don’t Use Clichés and Buzzwords

One of the principles I live by is to not speak using clichés and buzzwords. The definition of the word cliché itself will give you an idea of why effective speakers and savvy writers avoid them. A cliché is something that’s become so overused that it has lost its ingenuity and impact. And as a leader, speaker or a writer, making an impact and being original makes all the difference in your work and performance.

Buzzwords, similar to clichés, are also becoming an enemy of effective communication in the workplace. This is why I’m choosing to share with you some of the reasons why we shouldn’t use clichés and buzzwords, and what we should do instead.

Why I Avoid Using Clichés

I don’t use clichés because I want my message to have an impact.

When delivering a speech, coaching or conducting training, your goal is for your listeners to take away something useful for them to apply in their professional or personal lives. It has to be impactful, and using clichés does the opposite.

When people hear a cliché, they already have an assumed opinion about what that information means to them, so they either lose interest in what is being said or simply take it as a good reminder. It doesn’t make people think nor does it stir up any…