How to Be Awesome at Your Job

963: How “Bad” English can Enhance Communication and Relationships with Dr. Valerie Fridland

May 20, 2024

41:18

Snipd AI

Dr. Valerie Fridland, a linguistics professor, discusses the value of filler words in communication. She explores how language adaptability can strengthen relationships and shares insights on using 'uh' and 'um' effectively. The conversation dives into the annoyance of certain language habits and the importance of sensitive communication. Embrace diverse language patterns for improved relationships and communication.

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Quick takeaways

Using 'um' and 'ah' aids listener engagement and memory retention.

Incorporating adverbs intensifies speech, enhancing credibility and sociability.

Deep dives

Sociolinguistics and Language Dynamics

Sociolinguist Dr. Valerie Friedland delves into the intricate social nuances of language. She highlights that language use doesn't conform to a universal system but is highly flexible, varying based on social factors. By examining the history and patterns of speech habits, she uncovers surprising revelations about the evolution of linguistic features, challenging conventional perceptions.

Introduction

2min

Exploring the Social Dynamics of Language Features

2min

The Significance of 'Um' and 'Ah' in Communication

24min

Navigating Linguistic Irritations

8min

Diverse Discourse on Quotes, Studies, Books, and Tools

4min

Embracing Diverse English Language Patterns for Improved Communication and Identity

3min

Dr. Valerie Fridland shares surprising insight into why filler words and other vilified elements of speaking aren’t all that bad in the workplace.

— YOU’LL LEARN —

1) The surprising value of saying “Uh” and “Um”

2) How to switch up your language to build better relationships

3) The one word that makes you sound more convincing

Subscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep963 for clickable versions of the links below.

— ABOUT VALERIE —

Dr. Valerie Fridland is a professor of linguistics at the University of Nevada in Reno. Her new book, Like Literally, Dude! Arguing for the Good in Bad English, takes a fascinating look at the history and patterns behind the modern speech habits we love to hate. She also writes a monthly blog called “Language in the Wild” for Psychology Today, is a regular guest writer for the popular Grammar Girl podcast and has a lecture series, Language and Society, available with The Great Courses.

Her popular facing work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Nature, Entrepreneur Magazine, Psychology Today Magazine, LitHub and The Conversation. Valerie has also appeared as an expert on numerous shows and podcasts including CBS News, NPR 1A, NPR Here and Now, NPR Day to Day, Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert, Alan Alda’s Clear and Vivid, Newsy’s The Why, The Gist, and The Lisa Show.

• Book: "Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English"

• Website: ValerieFridland.com

— RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW —

• Article: “The Rise and Fall of ‘ZuckTalk’” by John Herrman

• Book: "The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary" by Simon Winchester

• Past episode: 844: The Six Words that Dramatically Increase Your Impact with Jonah Berger

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