Simple Sunday #5
Posted on September 21st, 2008 in Simple Living
“A vocabulary of truth and simplicity will be of service throughout your life.” – Winston Churchill
I love this quote, and in respect to it, I don’t want to say to much. I’d love to hear your takes on what the term vocabulary encompasses, and in what ways can that vocabulary serve you?
Have a truly fantastic Sunday!
photo credit: ryanrocketship
This post has 10 comments
September 21st, 2008
Vocabulary and simplicity…hmmm….
For me: It’s about not saying too much. About when knowing enough is enough when your talking. To take time to listen before you respond.
Vocabulary and truth: that we speak the truth. Sometimes that’s hard, because sometimes the truth hurts. Still, I think we all desire to know the truth.
September 21st, 2008
Sara, I’m struggling with this one so I look forward to seeing what everyone else says. If pushed, I would apply this to my inner voice as it relates to the ‘truths’ I choose to tell myself.
Have a great day yourself. Dave.
September 21st, 2008
Very true – a good vocabulary will serve you well while the benefit of a vocabulary of truth and simplicity is not only one of serving yourself but also others.
September 21st, 2008
I guess I’d add a vocabulary of gratitude. Paying attention to the small things we’re grateful for and giving name to them can boost our feelings of well-being, and make us more receptive to seeing and noticing more in the future.
I’ve learned a lot about the impact of language and vocabulary from Rosa Say at Managing with Aloha Coaching, who writes a lot about the language of intention, and also practices a beautiful language use, infused with aloha.
September 21st, 2008
Hi, Sara!
My partner and I do communication education; as such, we talk about vocabulary all the time. We were talking about it as I read this post, in fact.
We’ve found that the most important thing in regards to vocabulary is remembering that everyone’s vocabulary is different. We all have different definitions for the same words, because we all speak our own versions of our language.
A clear example is “a few”. To me, a few means 3 or less. We once did a poll of 10 friends, and not a single one had the same definition! (:
A good vocabulary is vital for good communication, but so is knowing everyone’s definitions are different! (:
Thanks for this thought-provoking post! (:
September 21st, 2008
Vocabulary helps reduce the gap between what you say and what you mean.
Just like shared experience, shared vocabulary builds rapport.
In software, we use patterns to say 100 words with one.
I used to have a fancy vocabulary … I dropped it when the words got in the way.
September 21st, 2008
Human emotion and thought is so beautiful and complex… vocabulary is simply trying to convey how we feel through words. It makes me think of waking up from a dream that rattled your sole to the core, trying to explain it to someone, and having it come out boring, stupid, funny, or not how you intended. It can be tough to master!
Having a good vocabulary helps express what you are feeling and who you are. Use only the words that are necessary to describe something though. Clutter in words is just as bad as in your closet
Great small post, Sara!
- Jack Rugile
Simple Sapien
September 22nd, 2008
Nice quote… but it’s coming from the same guy who, when a woman told him that he was drunk, said “you’re ugly and I’ll be sober in the morning”.
September 22nd, 2008
Choosing the right words to say is important. Not adding drama and making communication simple and easy-to-understand is also key!
September 22nd, 2008
The idea that everyone’s vocabulary is different really resonated with me. Whether it’s another writer, another person, or even someone you disagree with, realizing that words aren’t always common ground is another reason to use the clearest terms possible.
And Caitlin, no one is this world can be lionized, can they? I’m glad you added in that bit of balance. Fortunately (in my eyes, at least), I’ve gotten better at allowing people to be human, taking the good and rejecting what I don’t agree with.
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