‘Choosing the right word is important… but we should not be paralyzed by the fear of using the wrong word’

When you use language you inevitably make an impression, Susie Dent, lexicographer and etymologist for Channel 4’s Countdown, reminded delegates.

“It can be a positive impression, but it can also be a negative impression. But words matter, and there can be a huge difference between those who have the right words and those who don’t,” she said during the closing address at this year’s CIPD annual conference and exhibition.

To illustrate, Dent pointed to an analogy from a TED talk by model Cameron Russell, who entered the stage in a fitted miniskirt, top and high heels, stood still for a moment, before changing into a midi skirt and flats. “In that one move, (she) changed people’s entire expectations about who she was and how she was going to speak, and language can do that for us too,” Dent noted.

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Dent further emphasized why “choosing the right word is important” and asked the audience if they would feel comfortable describing an interviewee as “ambitious.” She explained that while “hardworking” is often used alongside words like efficient, reliable, honest and dedicated, “ambitious” is usually paired with “arrogant,” “aggressive” and “controversial,” especially when it comes to women.

“You might think that ambitious is a completely neutral adjective, but you have to choose incredibly carefully because as language evolves it picks up associations that aren’t always the desired ones,” she warned.

However, Dent advised the delegates that while it is essential to choose their words carefully, they should not panic.

“One of the things I often hear is, ‘If I feel like I’m going to offend someone, or I’m not sure if I’m going to use the right word, I tend not to say anything.’ And this kind of language paralysis, I think, is probably an inevitable byproduct of our desire to say the right thing, our desire to belong,” she said.

Dent added that while it’s “fantastic” that we’re thinking about how we can use language inclusively in a way we haven’t in the past, If you say something along the lines of “I’m not sure if that’s PC anymore,” it “simply implies that you want to be seen doing the right thing and choosing the right words,” which takes away from authenticity.

“If you feel like you can expose your vulnerability, that will start a dialogue, and dialogue is what’s so important when it comes to inclusive language,” she said. “Whether it’s in a meeting or one-on-one, don’t feel paralyzed by the need to be inclusive and show that you recognize diversity, just ask and have that conversation.”

Jargon and AI’s influence on language

Having a “good vocabulary” isn’t just about word count, Dent said. “Shakespeare had about 20,000 words at his disposal, but look what he did with them,” she added. “It’s all about having the right nuanced vocabulary for the right occasion.”

Noting how much jargon, abbreviations and acronyms are used within the HR profession, Dent emphasized that the word “jargon” comes from the old French jargonmeaning the chirping of birds. “If you think about it, birds understand each other perfectly. The rest of us don’t understand.

“If jargon is used well, it can be one of the most important benefits. It keeps a group together. It becomes a mechanism of bonding, of community and also of pragmatism.”

She described “tribal” language as potentially beneficial, as long as “it doesn’t become empty and is only used to pat yourself on the back,” adding that this type of jargon, which doesn’t actually say anything, is known as “bafflegab” among lexicographers.

That’s why Dent advised that it’s important to keep the jargon “within your tribe.” “Keep in mind that you’re excluding people if you talk in acronyms and abbreviations, especially if you have new people in the office.”

But while she said it’s important to bring people in, she went on to advise: “Don’t overthink it or you’ll lose that spontaneity.”

Dent highlighted the risk that AI poses to the inclusivity of language because it perpetuates jargon. “A lot of linguistic analysis has been done to show how to recognize generative AI,” she said, adding that words like ‘mine,’ ‘navigate,’ and ‘versatile,’ and phrases like ‘a rich tapestry,’” achieve new heights’ and ‘game-changer’ are all telltale signs.

“Once you become attuned to AI-generated text, you start seeing it over and over again,” she said. “This will impact the issue of inclusivity and diversity of language and the recognition of the audiences we are speaking to.”

However, Dent suggested that this could encourage a backlash: “It may well be that we will be fighting the tide of jargon coming our way from AI and essentially going against the tides to try to simplify our language, or at its at least it is more inventive, more creative, more different.”

Visit CIPD’s Topic Hub for more insight into using language to improve collaboration