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Cutting Clichés

Guest articles > Cutting Clichés

by: Robert Deigh

Spring is a great time for public relations housecleaning - making sure your communication is clear and understandable. The weather's too nice for discussing deep topics, so here's something easy but effective -- cutting clichés -- something we like do around this time of year.

Why? Nixing stale clichés will make your communication fresher. People will pay more attention to what you have to say. Customers who pay attention are more likely to buy.

Cutting clichés is easy. Go through your Web pages, marketing materials, presentations, press releases and proposals and replace clichés.

Need ideas? Start with this short list of some of our favorites (and replacements in plain English):

• At the end of the day (ultimately)
• Drill down (look for greater detail)
• Granular (more detailed)
• Take it offline (talk after the meeting)
• No brainer (easy)
• Slam dunk (see "No brainer")
• Brainchild (idea)
• Brain dump (briefing)
• Across the pond (Europe; the Atlantic)
• Pick your brain (get your advice)
• Get my head around (understand)
• Close the loop (tell those who need to know)
• Low-hanging fruit (easiest to accomplish)
• Push the envelope (exceed limits)
• Win-Win (mutually beneficial)
• On the same page (agree)
• Future plans (just "plans" - ALL plans are future)
• Task force (working group)
• Leading or cutting edge (innovative)
• Mission critical (essential)
• Perfect storm (right conditions for)
• Touch base (contact)
• On their radar screen (we have their attention)

Robert Deigh is principal of RDC Communication/PR and the author of "How Come No One Knows About Us?" (WBusiness Books, available May 2008), the PR guide for organizations large and small that want to win big visibility. Deigh helps organizations increase their visibility and build their brands by creating strong and positive relationships with the press and other audiences. He is also a well-known speaker and trainer on media and PR topics. Want more free info to build your business? Subscribe to Deigh’s popular monthly 1-page online newsletter “PR Quick Tips” from his website at www.rdccommunication.com. He can be reached via email at rdeigh1@aol.com, or by phone at 703-503-9321.

Contributor: Robert Deigh

Published here on: 21-Jul-13

Classification: Sales

Website: www.rdccommunication.com