The common consensus for how long it takes to make a first impression is 7 seconds.
Some research advises that you are judged even before you open your mouth. Factors such as your appearance, eye contact, and posture are very important.
But ultimately, people’s opinion of you will be strongly influenced by how you speak and express yourself. So, you should focus on expanding your vocabulary!
The famous American researcher Johnson O’Connor studied successful people and researched human aptitudes. His research focused on a variety of groups that ranged from students who excelled in exams to high-flying executives in different industries. He analysed all of his data in an attempt to discover what information was the best indicator to forecast a person’s success.
There was one factor that always correlated with people’s success. It didn’t matter what the industry or endeavour was.
That one factor was a person’s vocabulary level.
It was the best single predictor of occupational success.
A good level of vocabulary does not come as a consequence of success, it comes in the journey to achievement.
Why is a broad range of vocabulary important?
It has been put forward that success depends on thinking and communication skills.
Well . . . words are the tools we use for both thought and communication.
A broad vocabulary expands your mind
The dystopian novel Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell is a fantastic illustration of the importance of vocabulary.
An authoritarian government aims to control the people. One of the most important factors in achieving this is through the regulation of the official language that is called Newspeak.
The vocabulary of Newspeak is constantly reduced in an attempt to take away tools for people to question the authority of the government. The deficiency of a wide vocabulary can lead to a lack of insights and limit our capabilities for understanding.
I enjoy the below examples that showcase how different languages perceive the concept of attention. Is it part of a transaction as the English language suggests? Maybe it is something we lend but expect back as the Spanish language suggests? Is it only something we show or is it something more that we do/make?
People believe our thoughts shape our words, but it is important to note that our words heavily influence our thoughts. By increasing your vocabulary, you are improving your ability to focus on your ideas and importantly understand the ideas of others as well.
The importance of vocabulary in communication
The less words you have will limit your ability to communicate.
Interestingly, it has been said that people who curse and use profanity frequently do so because of their lack of vocabulary. Using profanity can often lead to more than communication problems!
The aim of improving your vocabulary is not to learn big words and confuse people. The purpose is to be able to choose the right words to express yourself clearly.
It can be very frustrating and confusing for everybody if you can’t communicate effectively. If you have knowledge, but you are not able to communicate it to other people or articulate it to yourself, you will be held back.
If you improve your vocabulary, you will be improving your skills as an effective communicator.
| Benefits of a good vocabulary | Drawbacks of a bad or limited vocabulary |
| Communicate more effectively | Poor communication and misinterpretations |
| Improves self-confidence | Low self-confidence |
| Improves self-esteem | Low self-esteem |
Conclusion
If you want to improve your vocabulary, join our Facebook page as we post a word every Wednesday that you can add to your vocabulary. We also offer online English classes that you can schedule at a time to suit you with expert teachers.
I hope this blog has opened your mind to the power of words. Do you agree with the content of this blog? Is there anything you would like to add? Please comment below and start the conversation.
Further Reading
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