Who's right here? Is "so" really the new "um" -- and is that wrong? Turns out, they all may be right. "So" has many uses, according to this analysis in the New York Times. And, as with any term of art, you need to think through your intent in using "so" to make sure it's working for you and not against you:
- As a logical connective word, which is how software engineers in Silicon Valley began using it (and, many believe, how it came to dominate the start of a sentence). It suggests authority, and indicates an explanation is coming, which is why scientists may be using it.
- As an empathetic connection, indicating that you've chosen what you're about to say because it's relevant to your listener, as in, "So it might be helpful to know that...."
- As a pause to think. If so, it's acting like an "um"--which, by the way, is a normal part of speech. But repeating one time-buying phrase like "so" over and over causes your audience to start counting (and it's too short to buy much time to think).
Are you a member of The Eloquent Woman on Facebook? Join our thriving community to get extra content, early input into my blog posts, and to share your questions, photos and video.
New! Sign up for The Eloquent Woman's free monthly newsletter, Step Up Your Speaking
Shop for books, technology and supplies for speakers at The Eloquent Woman's Speaker Resources Store
2 comments:
If it's good enough for the Greek, it's good enough for us speaker geeks. This sing-song sound "like a Valley Girl attempt to advance the narrative: "So then I said he should leave. So he did..." can be labeled several different ways. Either way, it's as valuable and relevant today as it was back in the ancient Greek times when they were writing about it being used. I tend to look at its use from a useful or practical perspective. Sometimes it's useful, and sometimes it's practical, but rarely both.
I've seen this trend, particularly in young women, increasing in the last decade. In workshops I teach, I suggest they "insert" a smile or breath when they think they're about to do it. Another suggestion is to have them rehearse their speech using their cell phone so they can hear how they come across. For some, this is a complete shock and a strong reminder to curb the use of filler words.
Post a Comment