ESL Lesson Plan

...just not worth keeping and certainly not worth using - especially if you want to make a positive, professional, lasting impression.

"Awesome" is probably my favorite word to NOT use in grown-up conversations - particularly those meetings with peers or supervisors.

The word "awesome" is acceptable in informal settings, or among children, but if you would like to be treated as an adult, there is a very simple principle at work here; if you want to be recognized as a responsible professional, talk like one!

Don't talk like a hyperactive six-year old in a professional setting. I know it sounds simplistic, but you'd be amazed how many times I see it happen.

Here's a list from the Harvard Business Review, of words that they recommend banning from your conversation or workplace; http://blogs.hbr.org/silverman/2009/02/10-business-words-to-ban.html

If you look over this list, you might get a sense of future words to avoid. Look out for words that are dated, redundant or are cliches.

And if, in general, you want to sound like a mature person in general, here are some words to avoid if you want to be considered an intelligent and informed person - http://www.slate.com/articles/life/the_good_word/2013/03/chillax_wikipedia_and_bridezilla_are_not_puns_against_adjoinages.html.

Words like "chillax", "bridezilla" or "ginormous" just sound immature and stupid - don't use them!

But if you are looking for writing that is adventurous, enjoyable and affordable, you won't regret taking a look at this site packed with independent and resourceful writers - http://www.smashwords.com/. They also accept submissions if you are, or know of, a writer.

Be sure to send us any words or phrases that puzzle you, and be sure to let us know what it is about English and language learning that you find confounding, infuriating or endlessly intriguing.

Listen, read and speak. Make your new language your own.

My best to you as you make your way through this intriguing, constantly shifting linguistic landscape.

Morf