Good and Bad Speech Habits
Good and Bad Speech Habits
Speech habits are the words and phrases that you use every day, without thought. We all have speech habits.
You originally learned your speech habits from your parents, your family and your close friends. Later you acquired speech habits from school, films, books and the wider social environment.
Some speech habits are beneficial. They act to further your best interests and advance your career.
Other speech habits are liabilities. They are detrimental to your professional reputation and your earnings.
Words create and destroy.
If you use language thoughtfully, then your words will open doors for you.
If you use language thoughtlessly, then your words will bar you from progress.
If you have NOT made the progress you expected, then check your speech habits.
Could it be that the cause of your recent lack of progress, is the way you speak to people?
If in doubt, check it out.
Bad Speech Habits.
Here is a list of common bad speech habits.
1. Any form of casual swearing or profanity.
Needless, habitual swearing is the most common and easily corrected bad speech habit.
2. Catch phrases.
Some people pick up personal "catch phrases" that they repeat and don't even know they are doing it. For example:
- Like: "So I said, like, I don't want to go."
- At the end of the day: "At the end of the day, it is the customer who is king."
- Innit: "That's good, innit?
3. Badmouthing other people.
Backstabbing is a common pass time for many people, where they criticise people behind their backs, especially work colleagues.
4. Talking too much about oneself.
This is when you take everything the other says to be a trigger to talk about yourself.
Example. John says, "I'm going to book my holiday tomorrow".
Simon says, "I've already booked mine. I'm going to New York. I've been there before. I had a great time ..."
Good speech habits.
The solution to these bad speech habits is to develop good speech habits instead:
1. Use expletives that aren't swear words.
The English language is full of better alternatives.
Instead of saying, "I'm knackered!", say, "I'm exhausted".
Instead of saying, "He is a real pain in the ass", say "He is rather over-opinionated".
2. Use only good catch phrases.
Here are the two best catch phrases:
"Would you please, shut the door as you go out?", as opposed to, "Shut the door as you go out."
"Thank you very much. I appreciate it". Failure to appreciate people is a common error.
3. Refrain from needless badmouthing people.
This is self-explanatory. Don't needlessly denigrate colleagues.
It does not help anyone, least of all you.
4. Don't talk too much about yourself.
Your conversation should be shared about 50-50% between you and the other.
Or if you want to be classy, let the other person do the lion's share of the talking.
Remember that listening is a big compliment, since it implies you believe the other to be interesting and worth listening to.
And there is another benefit associated to listening more than you speak; if you are NOT talking, then you cannot put your foot in it.
Sometimes, silence is golden.
Do you make any of these communication mistakes?
Definition: speech habit
Speech habits are the words and phrases you use again and again at work without thinking. They grow from repeated use, shape how others see you, and can either open or block doors to progress. Change the habit and you change your results.
Show CG4D Definition
- Consists of spoken words and phrases a person uses often
- Formed through repeated, automatic use without thought
- Signals intent and skill, shaping how others judge the speaker
- Directly affects the speaker's progress and reputation at work
Article Summary
Your daily speech habits either build or break your future; ditch swearing, gossip and self-focus, choose clear, polite words, listen more, and doors to progress and respect swing open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What are speech habits?
How do bad speech habits harm my workplace reputation?
Which words can I use to stop swearing at work?
Why are overused catch phrases risky in professional communication?
How can I avoid talking about myself too much?
What is a quick way to build good speech habits?
Does listening more really improve my career?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
A 2023 State of Business Communication report by Grammarly and The Harris Poll found that poor workplace communication now costs organisations an average of £9,400 per employee each year. The CIPD Good Work Index 2024 reveals that 58% of UK employees believe casual swearing at work harms a person’s professional image and career prospects.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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