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Avoid the Word “Anxious”

By July 16, 2018June 24th, 2019No Comments
tip words to avoid anxious with scrabble pieces spelling out anxious

Anxious is a word all too often misused. You’ll hear people, whether in the workplace or socializing, saying, “I’m anxious to meet Julie.” Or “I’m anxious to tell you about the project.” Or “I’m really anxious to see movie XYZ.” For business communication, use eager instead.

For business communication, use eager instead.

By definition, anxious means: “characterized by extreme uneasiness of mind or brooding fear about some contingency” (Merriam-Webster Online).

In business, eager is the better word to use. By definition, eager means: “marked by enthusiastic or impatient desire or interest” (Merriam-Webster Online).

If there is a cause to use “anxious” to convey worry, we suggest using “concern” or “concerned.”

Since business communication is related to your relationship with your stakeholders and what you offer to them, choose your words v-e-r-y carefully. The right word will make a positive difference in many situations.

WORDS TO AVOID

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Ira Koretsky

Ira Koretsky has built The Chief Storyteller® into one of the most recognized names in communication, especially business storytelling. He has delivered over 500 keynote presentations and workshops in nearly a dozen countries, in more than one hundred cities, across 30 plus industries. His specialties are simplifying the complex and communicating when the stakes are high. He is also an adjunct professor in public speaking and storytelling at the University of Maryland's Business School. With over 25 years of experience, he is a sought-after storytelling coach, global speaker, trainer, consultant, communication coach, and public speaking coach.