By Don Hauptman
I titled a recent column "Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope."
An eagle-eyed reader pointed out that the sentence contains an error called a "comma splice." Because the two phrases could be complete sentences, they should be separated by a semicolon, not a comma. But as I noted, I was quoting the title of a 1970s Broadway musical. The playwright knew what she was doing. Because the show is about ghetto life and uses street language, the "intellectual" semicolon would have looked out of place.
Here are some other punctuation errors I spotted in the media:
• Missing hyphen: "Mr. Obama will deliver his State of the Union address Wednesday night. The word is that he will offer some small bore assistance to the middle class."
A compound adjective (also called a phrasal adjective) that precedes a noun should be hyphenated. Some exceptions to the rule exist, but in this case a hyphen is required. Correct: "small-bore assistance."
• Misplaced apostrophe: "Authorities also broke up a ring of airline thieves in St. Louis who... were targeting soldier's bags that were shipping off to war."
Most likely, the crooks weren't stealing just one soldier's bag, so the word should be plural possessive: "soldiers' bags." Errors involving possessive apostrophes are remarkably frequent.
• Extraneous commas: "Google executive, Alan Davidson, spoke at the same hearing...."
The above sentence is restrictive -- meaning that "Alan Davidson" is essential information and, thus, should not be placed between a pair of commas. A pair of commas properly frames an appositional phrase that's nonrestrictive, or optional. Example: "Victor Hugo, a French author, wrote Les Miserables."
If the restrictive/nonrestrictive distinction is tough to remember, try this tip: If you were to read the Google sentence aloud, you wouldn't pause naturally before and after the executive's name. That's a signal that the commas are superfluous.
• Misused parentheses: "Frank Goode... is a retired worker (at a wire factory) and a father of four who suffers from an unspecified ailment brought on by the toxic coating applied to the wire."
A few exceptions aside, parentheses should be used only for optional or peripheral references -- that is, content that could be deleted without affecting the rest of the piece. But the mention of his working "at a wire factory" is clearly not peripheral. If the parenthetical phrase were deleted, the subsequent reference to "wire" wouldn't make sense. Solution: Delete the parentheses.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Word of the Day-Fester
To fester (FES-tur) -- from the Latin for "ulcer" -- is to be or become an increasing source of irritation.
Example : "Letting a disagreement fester is counterproductive in many ways: It creates a hostile workplace, discourages teamwork, wastes time and resources, and in the end, accomplishes nothing. Everyone loses."
Example : "Letting a disagreement fester is counterproductive in many ways: It creates a hostile workplace, discourages teamwork, wastes time and resources, and in the end, accomplishes nothing. Everyone loses."
The Language Perfectionist: A Chrestomathy of Misuses
By Don Hauptman
Whenever I encounter an interesting linguistic error, I toss it into a folder. When the collection becomes large enough -- which doesn't take long -- I have the raw material for a column like this one.
Review the following mistakes, and you'll avoid committing them.
• "We're in the halcyon days of smartphone growth, and it won't last forever."
The word halcyon (pronounced "HAL-see-un") means calm, peaceful, tranquil. The tech guru quoted here meant that phone sales are currently booming. Ironically, if sales decline precipitously, as he suggests, the market will then really be halcyon! (Some dictionaries sanction a secondary meaning of halcyon as happy or prosperous, but this sense is often criticized. In light of the ambiguity, it's best avoided.)
• "In the 30 days allotted for public comment, this decision, and all of its permeations, must be fought for the sake of our students...."
The word wanted here is permutations, meaning changes or variations. The word permeation means a passing or spreading through, as a liquid permeates a cloth.
• "The judge's decision had clearly extended the protection of First Amendment rights to online writings of a non-threatening manner."
Maybe the writer can get away with the word manner in this context, but a better choice would have been nature. Or, more simply: "First Amendment rights to nonthreatening online writings." The hyphen isn't needed.
• "It's not a bad movie. But the plot meanders, development stagnates where it should've been moving forward (right around the middle, to be precise)...."
If the story bogs down around the middle, which indicates an approximation, it can't be precise.
Finally, two editorials recently appeared on the same day in a major newspaper. One included the comment "That is not a surprise, but it is still worrying." The second expressed the view that some recommended changes to textbooks "are very worrisome...."
The adjective worrying is a Britishism. In America, worrisome is standard. But the more serious problem here is that both words appeared on the same page. Most publications provide written guidelines regarding "house style." Writers and editors are supposed to refer to them to ensure consistency. In this case, that didn't happen.
Whenever I encounter an interesting linguistic error, I toss it into a folder. When the collection becomes large enough -- which doesn't take long -- I have the raw material for a column like this one.
Review the following mistakes, and you'll avoid committing them.
• "We're in the halcyon days of smartphone growth, and it won't last forever."
The word halcyon (pronounced "HAL-see-un") means calm, peaceful, tranquil. The tech guru quoted here meant that phone sales are currently booming. Ironically, if sales decline precipitously, as he suggests, the market will then really be halcyon! (Some dictionaries sanction a secondary meaning of halcyon as happy or prosperous, but this sense is often criticized. In light of the ambiguity, it's best avoided.)
• "In the 30 days allotted for public comment, this decision, and all of its permeations, must be fought for the sake of our students...."
The word wanted here is permutations, meaning changes or variations. The word permeation means a passing or spreading through, as a liquid permeates a cloth.
• "The judge's decision had clearly extended the protection of First Amendment rights to online writings of a non-threatening manner."
Maybe the writer can get away with the word manner in this context, but a better choice would have been nature. Or, more simply: "First Amendment rights to nonthreatening online writings." The hyphen isn't needed.
• "It's not a bad movie. But the plot meanders, development stagnates where it should've been moving forward (right around the middle, to be precise)...."
If the story bogs down around the middle, which indicates an approximation, it can't be precise.
Finally, two editorials recently appeared on the same day in a major newspaper. One included the comment "That is not a surprise, but it is still worrying." The second expressed the view that some recommended changes to textbooks "are very worrisome...."
The adjective worrying is a Britishism. In America, worrisome is standard. But the more serious problem here is that both words appeared on the same page. Most publications provide written guidelines regarding "house style." Writers and editors are supposed to refer to them to ensure consistency. In this case, that didn't happen.
Word of The Day-Conjecture
Conjecture (kun-JEK-cher) -- from the Latin for "to infer" -- is a guess, an opinion or theory formed without sufficient hard evidence.
Example: "Experience has taught me that my hunches are often right... but not always. If I spend too much time and energy on a business based on conjecture, what happens if my assumptions don't pan out?"
Example: "Experience has taught me that my hunches are often right... but not always. If I spend too much time and energy on a business based on conjecture, what happens if my assumptions don't pan out?"
Monday, May 3, 2010
Lectern Etiquette Part 2
3. If your job is to introduce the speaker.
After you announce his or her name, stay at the lectern until he or she arrives. In the United States, it is customary to shake hands as a professional courtesy. Stay at the lectern and greet your speaker; then gracefully leave without upstaging your guest. Since not all emcees and speakers will have read this article and know what to do, tell them; explain it to them before the event and eliminate a potentially awkward moment.
4. Best practices.
a. Take your time to prepare the lectern.
If you have time before you speak, take a moment and place your outline or notes on the lectern prior to your talk. If not, bring your notes with you and take whatever time you need to prepare them before you utter your first word.
b. How to use your script or notes on the lectern.
If you are going to use notes during your talk, do not staple them together. If you do your audience will see you flipping the pages and it could be a distraction. Instead, fold the top right corner and quietly move your page to the right, revealing your next page. No one will even know you are using notes.
If you need to return to your notes during your presentation, set a glass of water on the lectern before your talk. During your presentation when you need to look at your notes simply act as if you are walking back to the lectern to take a drink of water. Pick up the glass and drink while casually glancing at your notes.
c. How to stand behind the lectern.
It is never a good idea to give your entire presentation from behind the lectern. Why? It blocks you from your audience. This could prevent you from connecting with your listeners. However, in some cases you may be forced to stay behind the wooden blockade due to the need for the microphone or maybe because there is no way else for you to go. In any event, if you find yourself in this position, remember to stand approximately 10 inches away from the lectern and if you need to lay your hands on it, do so at the very edges closest to you and not the audience.
d. How to leave the lectern gracefully.
When leaving the lectern, leave your notes. Do not end your powerful presentation by gathering up your papers as you leave. Instead, end with a bang and enjoy the applause. You can always pick up your notes or props after the meeting has ended.
As mentioned earlier, wait until your introducer comes and takes control of the lectern.
e. When there is not a lectern.
In most business speaking settings there is not a lectern. Often times you may be speaking at a meeting that takes place in a restaurant or conference room. If this is the case, simply ask to be seated near the front of the room and put your notes on the table in front of you.
The Science of Being Great by Wallace D. Wattles
The Science Of Being Great was published in 1911. Wallace explains that this book is for the men and women, young or old, who wish to make the most of life by making the most of themselves. He has, in this book, shown plainly the way to power and capability, and believes that no mere reading of books can develop a great personality; nothing can make you great but thought, therefore think, think, think!
This audio book is perfect for those whom are too busy to read. Download and listen while running, driving etc . Enjoy!
Downloading instructions:
On Each Link Below:
1. Right click
2. Left click on 'Save Target As'
3. Left click on 'Save'
Songs:
1. Introduction
2. Chapter 1 Any Person May Become Great
3. Chapter 2 Heredity and Opportunity
4. Chapter 3 The Source Of Power
5. Chapter 4 The Mind Of God
6. Chapter 5 Preparation
7. Chapter 6 The Social Point Of View
8. Chapter 7 The Individual Point Of View
9. Chapter 8 Idealization
10. Chapter 9 Realization
11. Chapter 10 Hurry And Habit
12. Chapter 11 Thought
13. Chapter 12 Acting At Home
14. Chapter 13 Action Abroad
15. Chapter 14 Some Further Explanations
16. Chapter 15 More About Thought
17. Chapter 16 A View Of Evolution
18. Chapter 17 Serving God
19. Chapter 18 A Mental Exercise
20. Chapter 19 A Summary Of The Science Of Being Great
21. Emmerson Essay
22. David & Goliath
23. Motivation For The Nation
24. I Am Strong & I Am Beautiful
25. Right Place, Right Time
This audio book is perfect for those whom are too busy to read. Download and listen while running, driving etc . Enjoy!
Downloading instructions:
On Each Link Below:
1. Right click
2. Left click on 'Save Target As'
3. Left click on 'Save'
Songs:
1. Introduction
2. Chapter 1 Any Person May Become Great
3. Chapter 2 Heredity and Opportunity
4. Chapter 3 The Source Of Power
5. Chapter 4 The Mind Of God
6. Chapter 5 Preparation
7. Chapter 6 The Social Point Of View
8. Chapter 7 The Individual Point Of View
9. Chapter 8 Idealization
10. Chapter 9 Realization
11. Chapter 10 Hurry And Habit
12. Chapter 11 Thought
13. Chapter 12 Acting At Home
14. Chapter 13 Action Abroad
15. Chapter 14 Some Further Explanations
16. Chapter 15 More About Thought
17. Chapter 16 A View Of Evolution
18. Chapter 17 Serving God
19. Chapter 18 A Mental Exercise
20. Chapter 19 A Summary Of The Science Of Being Great
21. Emmerson Essay
22. David & Goliath
23. Motivation For The Nation
24. I Am Strong & I Am Beautiful
25. Right Place, Right Time
Lectern Etiquette Part 1
Arvee Robinson, Master Speaker Trainer
First, the square wooden object placed at the center of the room is properly called a lectern, not a podium. The word podium comes from the word podiatry which means: the care of the human foot, the diagnosis and treatment of foot disorders. Therefore, a podium is a stage you stand on not what you stand behind. Webster’s dictionary definition of a podium is:a small platform for the conductor of an orchestra, or for a public speaker. Now you are among only 9% of the speakers out there that will use the right terminology.
1. Never touch the lectern inappropriately.
Most of us would never dream of hitting, grabbing, or leaning on a child. Yet, I see speakers sprawled all over the lectern as they speak. Often new presenters are so nervous they grab the edges of the lectern so tightly their knuckles turn white.
Then there are those people who beat or pound on the lectern to drive a point home, leaving the audience feeling very defensive. The major problem with treating the lectern this way, outside of offending your audience, is that it distracts your audience and prevents them from hearing what you have to say.
It helps to stand 10 to 12 inches behind the lectern to avoid the temptation of touching it inappropriately.
2. Never leave the lectern unattended.
You would never walk away and leave a child alone in a supermarket or in a train station, would you? No, that would be absurd. Yet, how many times have you seen emcees announce the speaker and just walk away? Every member of the audience feels this public display of awkwardness. Not to mention the speaker having to either cover up or make up for the lack of interaction. And how about the speaker who ends his speech and marches off the stage, leaving the lectern alone? The emcee quickly and perhaps awkwardly rushes to take charge of the situation. When the speech is over, the speaker should return the lectern to the emcee. It works both ways.
In either case, this poor protocol can easily be avoided if you remember to treat the lectern as a child and never leave it unattended. Let me make myself clear. I’m not saying that you should deliver your entire speech from behind this wooded barricade. No. When the lectern is turned over to you as a speaker, you are free to move about, returning to the lectern from time to time as needed. I’m referring to when you are finished with your speech. Wait patiently at the lectern, enjoying the applause, until the emcee takes charge of the lectern. Think of a relay race where the runner passes a baton to another runner before slowing her pace. Once the baton is passed, the passing runner is finished.
First, the square wooden object placed at the center of the room is properly called a lectern, not a podium. The word podium comes from the word podiatry which means: the care of the human foot, the diagnosis and treatment of foot disorders. Therefore, a podium is a stage you stand on not what you stand behind. Webster’s dictionary definition of a podium is:a small platform for the conductor of an orchestra, or for a public speaker. Now you are among only 9% of the speakers out there that will use the right terminology.
1. Never touch the lectern inappropriately.
Most of us would never dream of hitting, grabbing, or leaning on a child. Yet, I see speakers sprawled all over the lectern as they speak. Often new presenters are so nervous they grab the edges of the lectern so tightly their knuckles turn white.
Then there are those people who beat or pound on the lectern to drive a point home, leaving the audience feeling very defensive. The major problem with treating the lectern this way, outside of offending your audience, is that it distracts your audience and prevents them from hearing what you have to say.
It helps to stand 10 to 12 inches behind the lectern to avoid the temptation of touching it inappropriately.
2. Never leave the lectern unattended.
You would never walk away and leave a child alone in a supermarket or in a train station, would you? No, that would be absurd. Yet, how many times have you seen emcees announce the speaker and just walk away? Every member of the audience feels this public display of awkwardness. Not to mention the speaker having to either cover up or make up for the lack of interaction. And how about the speaker who ends his speech and marches off the stage, leaving the lectern alone? The emcee quickly and perhaps awkwardly rushes to take charge of the situation. When the speech is over, the speaker should return the lectern to the emcee. It works both ways.
In either case, this poor protocol can easily be avoided if you remember to treat the lectern as a child and never leave it unattended. Let me make myself clear. I’m not saying that you should deliver your entire speech from behind this wooded barricade. No. When the lectern is turned over to you as a speaker, you are free to move about, returning to the lectern from time to time as needed. I’m referring to when you are finished with your speech. Wait patiently at the lectern, enjoying the applause, until the emcee takes charge of the lectern. Think of a relay race where the runner passes a baton to another runner before slowing her pace. Once the baton is passed, the passing runner is finished.
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