The ever-evolving hope of expression with words.
We have routine words, such as ‘like’ or ‘really’. However, I am going to step further into it and call out the media in their specific use of any language that can sway the mind of naive listeners. Their use of persuasion tactics is noted throughout history. Yet, get one main-stream media presence with a large following, and you gain the allegiance of half of population. They can be common Cory down the street with a million followers on YouTube or an anchor sitting at a news desk cleverly delivering the doom and gloom of world affairs. Given the right language, they win every time. What do they win? You.
So, what word irks me? I’ll go simple. The word, “Look.” Have you ever listened to an interview and the floor opens up to the guest and it never fails, they lead in with, “Look.” As though what they are about to say is fact and the end all and be all of what is right (no matter the topic).
You could interview Mike Tyson about maintaining a garden above timber line in Colorado, and he would begin his response with look. His trusting and faithful followers eat it up and spread the word as though they’ve planted such a garden and have first-hand experience.
While a silly example, think of how a speaker influences others by simply creating a space of absolute certainty in anything they say. It is a dangerous and powerful way to play on the human mind, emotions, and opinions of those less inclined to speak what they know, not what they read or hear. And yes, unfortunately, we no longer believe what we read online. (Which is why I choose to write what I know through experience. <wink>)
Lisa @ Authentic Truths 