This week, Word Wednesday's misused word is brought to you by the word "good." Is good really a good word to use? It's really not so good. Good is not very descriptive, is it?
"That's a good idea."
"He is a good pianist."
"She did a good job."
If these sentences were about you, wouldn't you rather hear:
"That's an inspired idea."
"He was an accomplished pianist."
"She did an exceptional job."
For that matter, wouldn't you much rather know why your idea was inspired, you are accomplished and did an exceptional job? The devil isn't the only one in the details. A compliment is so much more meaningful when the receiver knows why you think he's good. A persuasive argument carries so much more weight when the persuadee understands how this idea will benefit him.
Sometimes saying something is good, is almost bad, like when you ask your husband how he likes your new dress, "It looks good." You don't want it to look good; you want it to look stunning! Good is boring. Good is bereft of flavor. Good is dull. Good is just simply not good enough.
So for goodness sake, don't settle for being a good communicator. Be descriptive, be creative, be exceptional! Show your eloquence! Start right now by posting an insightful comment right here! ;D
Is 'good' a good enough word?
This week, Word Wednesday's misused word is brought to you by the word "good." Is good really a good word to use? It's really not so good. Good is not very descriptive, is it?
"That's a good idea."
"He is a good pianist."
"She did a good job."
If these sentences were about you, wouldn't you rather hear:
"That's an inspired idea."
"He was an accomplished pianist."
"She did an exceptional job."
For that matter, wouldn't you much rather know why your idea was inspired, you are accomplished and did an exceptional job? The devil isn't the only one in the details. A compliment is so much more meaningful when the receiver knows why you think he's good. A persuasive argument carries so much more weight when the persuadee understands how this idea will benefit him.
Sometimes saying something is good, is almost bad, like when you ask your husband how he likes your new dress, "It looks good." You don't want it to look good; you want it to look stunning! Good is boring. Good is bereft of flavor. Good is dull. Good is just simply not good enough.
So for goodness sake, don't settle for being a good communicator. Be descriptive, be creative, be exceptional! Show your eloquence! Start right now by posting an insightful comment right here! ;D
7 comments
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My husband is notorious for saying “it’s good” or “it’s alright” when I try a new recipe. I have to nearly beat out of him whether it’s “good enough to make again” or not!
Great post, JoJo! -
I agree. Good isn’t good enough, but in most cases. . . well, it is. HAH! We have gotten used to everything being good. Why? I think because we can’t be bothered being descriptive. You say something is good and most folks smile or beam. They’d probably faint dead away if you said they were exceptional or inspired! So you’re right. . . good isn’t good enough, but it’s good enough for most of us. SIGH
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Thanks for posting Becky Joie! Some of the phrases we use are formalities that really don’t help us communicate. “How are you?” w/the auto answer “Fine.” Is another one.
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You’re right. It’s important to be specific. Many of us don’t take the time to do it. We use the easiest words to express our thoughts. I suppose it is a lazy way of doing things. Thanks for the admonition to communicate better.
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Thanks Carla, Terri and Cindy! I appreciate your thoughts. Thanks for posting!