People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast

PPP 434 | The Surprising Benefits of Bad English in Leadership, with Valerie Fridland

Sep 5, 2024

In this lively discussion, sociolinguist Valerie Fridland explores the surprising benefits of 'bad' English in leadership. She argues that filler words and vocal fry can enhance communication, challenging traditional views on language use. Valerie shares insights on how regional dialects shape perceptions and the evolution of words like 'like.' The conversation also touches on the complexities of language in social identity and the importance of context in effective leadership communication, all while keeping a humorous tone.

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Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 2min

Exploring Sociolinguistics and Language Choices

02:21 • 3min

Cultural Nuances of Language and Stereotypes in the South

04:55 • 2min

The Evolution of Language and Its Social Implications

06:40 • 16min

The Evolution of 'Like' and Intensifiers

22:51 • 8min

The Voice of Authority: Vocal Fry and Gender Perceptions

31:13 • 8min

Navigating Communication: Styles and Stories

39:27 • 19min

Summary

In this episode, Andy welcomes sociolinguist Valerie Fridland to discuss her new book Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English. They explore the significance of language use in leadership, including the use of filler words, intensifiers, and vocal fry. She challenges the notion that filler words should be eliminated, highlighting their cognitive and communicative benefits. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the complexities of language and its role in effective communication.

It's a fun discussion about language that will have you laughing, for sure, but also leaving the conversation with insights to help you lead more effectively at work (and at home).

Sound Bites

"Probably the best answer is I know enough about other languages to order a beer in those languages and that's pretty much probably all you need."
"But it's also on the other side that when we're letting ourselves get distracted by those speech features (filler words), and then we're dismissing what they have to say because of something we don't like, we're also doing something wrong."
"I said I study vowel movements. He heard bowel movements and thought I was a gastroenterologist."
"If parents are worried about the way their kids talk, just show really good interest in trying to copy it and they'll never say it in front of you again."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:21 Start Of Interview
03:34 Language And Social Identity
06:56 The Evolution Of Language And Social Identity
13:41 The Role Of Filler Words
22:53 The History And Use Of 'Like'
34:11 Pressures On Women In The Workplace
34:58 Vocal Fry In Media And Public Perception
35:23 Gender And Vocal Fry Criticism
38:38 Understanding And Adapting Speech Features
39:52 Effective Communication Strategies
41:32 Judging Speech In Professional Contexts
47:48 Advice For Parents On Communication
50:18 Wrap-Up
50:39 Andy Comments After The Interview
52:51 Outtakes

Learn More

You can learn more about Valerie and her book at ValerieFridland.com.

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Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: project management, leadership, language, social identity, filler words, communication, vocal fry, gendered speech, linguistic diversity, parenting

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Fantastical Ferret by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Tuesday by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license