Small Businesses

Reinforce your professionalism by nixing these empty phrases from your vocabulary

  • 4 min Read
  • February 16, 2022

Author

Escalon

Table of Contents

Our choice of words in business communications not only affect teamwork and morale, but they also potentially affect every business outcome. Psychological research has shown our sentences can significantly influence our listeners’ choices and opinions. That means using the correct verbiage in business is vital for achieving success. 


Nonspecific filler expressions to avoid



Choosing nonspecific words and meaningless expressions in business communication can weaken the value of your message and cast doubt upon your expertise. Nevertheless, poor word choices and reckless phrasing can be blamed for many communication failures in the workplace. The repercussions range from disengagement and low productivity levels to financial losses.


Odds are your audience finds empty corporate buzzwords unoriginal and dull. Here are some examples of meaningless syntax that listeners would be grateful to have you eradicate from your business communication. 

1. New normal




After two years of working from home, the phrase “new normal” has become an outdated cliche. Experts believe that there will be no “normal” with the global pandemic, and that we all have to learn to be more agile in response. 


John E. Walker, founder and managing partner at PR agency Chirp, advises clients to stop using the phrase “new normal” altogether and embrace the concept of “next to normal” instead. “As the world and society evolve, so does business and we should consider the next pandemic phase to be the next normal,” Walker said.

2. State of the art, cutting-edge




These phrases are flabby and vague. If you can’t describe your products in real-world terms that truly mean something, you will not be able to convey how your product or service helps your customers. Use words such as latest, advanced, purpose-built or high-performance instead.

3. Strong culture




Companies often write about having a strong culture. However, the phrase doesn’t actually articulate what that culture represents and what makes it unique. “When I read that a company has a strong culture, I often wonder if it’s a culture where people are encouraged to grow and to work together, or if it’s a culture where one is expected to be on-call 24/7 and compete for advancement,” said Farone Advisors founder Deborah Farone.

4. Paradigm shift




The cliche “paradigm shift” is overused and trite. Instead, tell listeners what the shift is and why they should care.

5. Now more than ever




“Now more than ever” is trite and suggests ignorance of history. There have always been challenging times; the current pandemic is just the latest. Use “better” or “greater” than something else to provide context and meaning.

6. The leading …




Every company describes itself as leading something or other. If everyone is claiming to be the leader, then who really is? “Use that precious space to define who you are and why you matter,” said Welltok Chief Marketing Officer Erica Morgenstern. “That’s more important than trying to say you are a leader in a category or space with a bunch of qualifiers around it.”

7. Innovative solutions




All tech companies claim to develop “innovative solutions.” But it doesn’t communicate what makes them innovative. How is their innovation different or better than that of their competitors? It’s better to be specific and show success by providing customer examples. For instance, “We help businesses use artificial intelligence to decrease financial errors” is more powerful than “We offer businesses innovative financial solutions.” 

8. Putting people first




“Putting people first” is a tired phrase that has come to lose its meaning. It’s better to talk about the actual initiatives that will help the organization and your stakeholders.


A better way to say it



Here are some of the other top offenders among overused and passive-sounding business communication words and phrases, alongside classier examples of what to use instead. 

Instead of this: Say this:
This is exciting. Explain why it’s credible, effective or persuasive.
You can leverage. Replace leverage with use, capitalize on, take advantage of or harness.
Differentiate yourself. Stand out as a unique asset or be your own best advocate.
I want you to finish that report by tomorrow. Would you be able to finish that report by tomorrow?
Now that article looks better. The article looks even better. 
I think this is a bad idea. I don’t think this is such a good idea.
Please do not hesitate to contact me. Please call me/schedule a meeting if you have any questions.
I hope you’re well/I hope this email finds you well. I hope you’re having a great day/week.
Sorry for the late response. Thank you for your patience.
Game-changing. Transformational, evolutionary.
Be on the same page. Agree, support.
Take ownership Take responsibility.

 

Talk to our team today to learn how Escalon can help take your company to the next level.

  • Expertise you can trust

    Our team is made up of seasoned professionals who bring years of industry experience to the table. You gain a trusted advisor who understands your business inside out.

  • Quality and consistency

    Say goodbye to the hassles of hiring, training and managing in-house finance teams. You will never have to worry about unexpected leave of absence or retraining new employees.

  • Scalability and Flexibility

    Whether you’re a small business or a global powerhouse, our solutions scale with your needs. We eliminate inefficiencies, reduce costs and help you focus on growing your business.

Contact Us Today!

Tap into the latest insights from experts in your industry

People Management & HR

Streamlining HR Processes, Best Practices for Small Business Owners 

Human Resources (HR) might feel like an afterthought for many small business owners juggling day-to-day demands, yet it has a...

Read More
People Management & HR

Streamlining HR Processes, Best Practices for Small Business Owners

Human Resources (HR) might feel like an afterthought for many small business owners juggling day-to-day demands, yet it has a...

Read More
People Management & HR

Leveraging AI for Efficient People Operations

Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just for tech giants anymore—it’s increasingly accessible to small and mid-sized businesses seeking a competitive edge...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

How to Set Up Payroll, A Guide for Small Business Owners 

Setting up a payroll system is an essential step that helps small business owners pay their employees accurately and on...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

Financial Planning for the Future, Setting Long-Term Business Goals

While small businesses must handle day-to-day tasks—like managing payroll or closing monthly books—long-term planning is the compass that keeps them...

Read More
People Management & HR

Benefits Administration, What Small Business Need to Know

Benefits administration can be a game-changer for small businesses aiming to attract and retain top talent. While salaries remain an...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

AAP vs. Cash Accounting: Which Method Is Best for Your Growing Business? 

Choosing the right accounting method can significantly impact how you track financial performance, manage taxes, and plan growth. Two common...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

Beyond Bootstrapping: Advanced Cash Flow Management for Scaling Companies 

Bootstrapping—financing growth through internal cash flow—is a hallmark of many successful startups. But as businesses mature past their initial stage,...

Read More
Technology & Security

Building a Scalable Tech Stack: How to Choose the Right Tools for Growth 

In today’s business landscape, technology is more than a convenience—it’s a strategic asset that can supercharge growth. But as you...

Read More