Slang isn't 'coowell' — or professional
By Andrea Kay
I knew I wouldn't be able to keep quiet on this much longer.
The final straw came last week when a twentysomething woman approached me before a professional networking event I was to speak at and asked, "So what do you do?" When I told her, she screeched, "Cool," (pronounced "coowell," as if the word had two syllables.)
Other than smiling, I had no response because I wasn't sure what to say to her inane reaction. She went on to make it worse. "That must be soooo cool!" she exclaimed, further demonstrating her inability to hold an adult conversation.
"Yes, it is," I politely retorted, hoping to end this wasteful exchange.
Even though she is young and such phrases — more of which I'll complain about in a minute — are part of her youthful slang, I cannot excuse this behavior. For she is not among her friends, but in the world of work, mingling with professionals on whom she hopes to make a good impression.
I won't even get started on the usage of "I'm, like" — my other pet peeve which I've ranted about on many occasions. But some other phrases youthful workers are marring their budding reputations with include:
No doubt, if my exchange with this woman had continued, she would have switched from "cool" to "awesome" to cement my impression of her as lazy and inarticulate and someone I'd never hire.
Just curious, but if you use that phrase, is it because what someone said truly inspired awe in you? If so, why not talk about what's so magnificent and sacred about that?
But odds are, that's not really what you meant when you used the word, "awesome," was it?
You probably just meant, "That's interesting," or used it as a filler to respond to what someone just told you. Might I suggest an alternative? How about really thinking about what they said then saying something meaningful back? It might go something like this:
Someone you just met tells you they work in human resources. Instead of saying, "Awesome!" you say, "I can imagine that must be quite challenging today. With the shrinking work force and so many younger workers, on average, only staying at each job for a little over a year."
Your insight not only engages the person in a conversation, you've demonstrated your awareness of the world around you, interest in others and ability to think and communicate.
I hear this when I thank someone for a deed — from servers who deliver your food to people who follow up on a business request. Before you automatically spew out, "No problem," please remember that people thank you because they appreciate what you've done — not because what you did didn't create a problem for you. Learn to graciously accept that gratitude by saying, "You're welcome."
It would be much appreciated if you wouldn't lump me and whomever I'm with as "you guys." Everyone from waiters who bombard you throughout the meal, with "How are you guys today?" to "Would you guys like dessert?" to office workers seem incapable of greeting people as individuals who aren't always a guy and deserve the courtesy of being addressed as an individual.
Finally, can you please slow down so we can understand you?
Think me an old fuddy-duddy. But if you've decided to enter the world of work where you'll be interacting with clients, customers, co-workers and bosses who aren't people you pal around with, cut the slang. It's time to focus on the people around you instead of yourself.
Think about the people you're serving and what they need to hear to understand what you're saying. Listen to what they're saying.
Make them feel comfortable and appreciated. All this could lead up to a meaningful exchange — which will leave them with a good impression of you.
Write Andrea Kay at andrea@andreakay.com.
