Language Quote by Seth Godin
““When Pat Holt strings together a list of words not to overuse—“Actually, totally, absolutely, completely, continually, constantly, continuously, literally, really, unfortunately, ironically, incredibly, hopefully, finally”—she’s not being a stickler for formality and grammar. Instead she’s reminding us that words matter, that poor word use is just a red flag for someone who wants to ignore you.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Blog post “The Power of Word Choice” by Seth Godin, 2019
Choosing precise language signals respect and credibility; overused filler words betray laziness and can erode trust.
In simple terms: Words matter; filler words hurt credibility.
Key Takeaway
Use concise, intentional language.
Themes
communication
credibility
language
attention
trust
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
advice
observational
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- writing
- marketing emails
- team meetings
- customer service
Key Concepts
psychology of persuasion
semantic precision
Questions to Reflect On
- How does filler word use affect your audience’s perception?
- What strategies help you eliminate unnecessary words?
A Different Perspective
Overly strict editing can stifle natural voice and authenticity.
