By: Melissa Barlock
10 Smart Words (and one not-so-smart word) to add to your Vocabulary
In the last few weeks we talked about a few key steps to landing your dream job. We discussed how to build a solid resume that will help you to really stand out and be invited for an interview. We then went over some tips to keep in mind while preparing for your interview in order to nab that coveted position once and for all!
If you’ve already acquired your dream job—congratulations! If you’re still in the process then you may consider using some smart words in your interview to gain a competitive edge. I know many of you reading this are highly educated and speak English fluently, and you’re probably wondering what’s up with the vocabulary lesson. To be completely honest, it is a topic that I used to teach to Japanese students learning English. However, I do believe it is a topic with some merit for even the most well-read native speakers. The ability to communicate effectively not only helps to get your ideas across succinctly, but it also affects the impressions you have on others and can be, frankly—impressive. This is particularly relevant in an environment like a dental clinic where you will frequently be interacting with patients and coworkers. Subtle changes in word choice can convey both meaning and attitude more precisely, and speaking well also makes you sound more intelligent and competent. Adding variety also makes you appear more interesting.
Below are just a few of the many examples you can use in place of the standard old boring words you frequently encounter. Grab a thesaurus if you like and pick your own favourite words that are more suited to your personality. Be careful not to pick too many unusual or complicated words, and don’t use them too frequently, lest you come off looking arrogant and obnoxious. It also just sounds unnatural. Let’s get to it!
Idiosyncrasies: life’s tough, and people sometimes are, too; there is inevitably going to be those times when you’ll want to express that a patient or coworker is difficult, or peculiar. Mention their idiosyncrasies instead (not to the patient directly, of course), or perhaps say they’re interesting; it’s more respectful, and you’ll come off looking kinder, more professional, and more positive. Another good alternative, that you probably learned as a child, is to say nothing at all.
Elaborate: every once in a while you may not understand what exactly is trying to be communicated to you, and you require clarification. This is probably one you’re already using, but resist the urge to ask someone what they mean; they may think you’re implying that they’re not speaking clearly, but their idiosyncrasies or exceptional vocabulary may be causing a lack of understanding on your part. Kindly ask them to elaborate for you and it will be smooth sailing.
Complication: it’s inevitable, eventually things go wrong. Nobody likes a problem, but a complication sounds manageable and much less serious. Better still, call it a minor complication if it is one, or elaborate if the other person is privy to the information and you think it will put them at ease.
Modification: sometimes to fix a complication, you only need to make a slight modification to a document or your approach to a procedure, for example; a change sounds like something you do to fix a major problem, and nobody likes change or problems.
Straightforward: this example is, well, straightforward. If a patient asks you what a procedure is like, let them know that it’s pretty straightforward. Saying that it’s complicated can be frightening, or even a little insulting. On the other hand, saying that it’s easy could come off as arrogant. Using straightforward makes you sound skilled and confident. Easy is used far too frequently, so modify your sentences with this word instead and people are likely to take notice.
Fantastic: this is another straightforward example. Saying that a patient did awesome is a great way to make them feel good, but it’s so overused that it may lose its effect on some people. Saying they were fantastic, however, is likely to reignite their enthusiasm.
Certainly: agree to a request with enthusiasm and a willingness to help with this word, instead of the usual suspects: of course, no problem, sure thing, definitely, etc. Absolutely! is another fantastic choice, but like the others, it’s on the verge of becoming stale, if it isn’t already.
Navigate: Don’t just help your patients find their way around some resources, show them you know where you’re going and invite them along for the journey. They’ll certainly appreciate your efforts, and you can feel good knowing you’ve made a measurable difference.
Congenial: the better you are at navigating your way around your patients, the better relationships you will build. If you find a patient to be pleasant, friendly, and likeable, call them congenial to better express how you feel.
Objectives: you probably have many goals in your personal life, but at work it can sound more professional to have objectives. One of them might be to come across as more congenial, which could contribute to your ultimate objective: to be happier and more successful at work.
Like: as you probably know, what you don’t say can be just as important as what you do say. You know what I’m talking about, meaningless filler words like umm, uhh, and…you know. Like deserves an honourable mention for being one of the worst offenders of taking up space when you’re thinking about what to say. A well-placed pause can show introspection, but using filler words too frequently can make you appear as though you are struggling with what to say. You may actually sound less smart, confident, and credible. If you are using them, drop the habit, and think about adding some smart words instead.
Nothing you learned here today was earth-shattering, but the little things can really make a difference. Like it or not, we’re constantly being evaluated by others, and a part of your success at work and in your other relationships is dependent on those evaluations. You’re smart and unique; show it by strategically inserting some of the above words, and more of your own, into your daily conversations.
Enspire Dental Opportunities is looking forward to working with you.
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