Have you ever noticed how certain phrases become part of a culture's conversation style? Some are memorable and become "buzz-worthy" (heard that before?) or create culture by sharing ideas and ideals. Others just create verbal fatigue with overuse and misuse of language and detract from your message. Wired Magazine's blog, Underwire, recently cited the list of The Top Ten Most Annoying Phrases from Oxford University researchers. The list includes:
1. At the end of the day
2. Fairly unique
3. I personally
4. At this moment in time
5. With all due respect
6. Absolutely
7. It's a nightmare
8. Shouldn't of
9. 24/7
10. It's not rocket science
Absolutely. I personally would like to add that at the end of the day it's a nightmare that we distill our communication with verbal noise in an effort to be fairly unique. It's not rocket science but, with all due respect, we are all truly unique 24/7 and shouldn't of thought to mess up what we say by cluttering things with superfluous sayings.
What phrases do you catch yourself using that may add to verbal fatigue? What additional "noise" does your church or organization regularly use that may detract from the clear message you want to send? "That being said," are there any you would like to share?