Page 38 - voices-2023-02

QUARTER NOTE

Wha'd You Say?!?

David Freedman, PM2

Does your message leave your audience clueless? might otherwise believe I’m less capable than
Consider eliminating euphemisms, slang, and other people. When you’re creating a speech, keep

expletives from your presentations. Here are in mind that many people may not necessarily
some solutions to help you bring greater clarity know what a euphemism refers to. If the word in
of vision to your next speech. question requires a definition, don’t be afraid to
Euphemisms are one form of speech that can add it in. If the euphemism is potentially harmful

trip people up when they least expect it. One or insulting, leave it out.
of my least favorite euphemisms is the word Something else to watch out for in a speech is
“neurodivergent.” This is a non-medical term slang. If euphemisms distort the meaning of what
defined as “differing in mental or neurological you’re trying to say by disguising it as something

function from what is considered typical or else, figures of speech can be even more confusing.
normal (frequently used with reference to autistic Imagine that you’re new to this country with
spectrum disorders); not neurotypical.” There are little to no command of the English language.
several problems with using this word, however. Someone says to you that you’re very “laid back.”

First, not everyone who falls under this category You wonder why they’re talking this way when
wants to be called neurodivergent. For example, you’re standing perfectly straight, not realizing
an individual with autism may simply want to be that they’re commenting on you being relaxed.
referred to as a person rather than referred to as a Or maybe you hear about someone “being fired.”

label. Secondly, the word “neurodivergent” can be To us, this means that someone was let go from a
applied incorrectly to other people who may look job. To a person from a war-torn country or who
or sound different due to various disabilities. My otherwise thinks you’re talking about using a gun
own facial paralysis was caused by a congenital or are near an open flame, the meaning might

neurological disorder called Moebius syndrome. be completely different. Knowing your audience
Unfortunately, this condition has been mistaken is the key. Be concise in your speech. If a word
for Down syndrome on numerous occasions, or phrase needs to be explained, whether it’s a
meaning that I’ve had to correct individuals who technical phrase or street slang, be sure to define it.

38 ONE COMMUNITY