Improving Vocabulary Blog.ORG

In today’s economy, there are millions of people who are unemployed. Just a few years ago, it was estimated that the average employer would receive five to seven resumes for a position. This limited an employer’s interviewing and selection pool. Nowadays though, a position can have as many as forty to fifty applications. Making ones resume stand out is essential to successfully securing a job. Showing written maturity in ones presentation skills, which includes grammar and writing, is paramount. Here are some helpful tips to improving one chances of getting a job in the tough economy.

Power Words

According to CareerOwl, using power words has the potential to distinguish the typical employee from the highly qualified. Furthermore, according to the Rockport Institute, “…even if you face fierce competition, with a well written resume you should be invited to interview more often than many people more qualified than you.” Furthermore, it is important to remember that a “resume is an advertisement, nothing more, nothing less.  A great resume doesn’t just tell them what you have done but makes the same assertion that all good ads do: If you buy this product, you will get these specific, direct benefits. It presents you in the best light. It coveys to the employer that you have what it takes to be successful in this new position or career.”  A strong resume presents power words – or words that are dominant to that industry or business that show the candidate has a strong business acumen and understanding of what it will take to succeed in the corporate culture.

Grammar and Vocabulary

Being sloppy and careless can also cost a future candidate an employment opportunity. According to Bauer-Ramazani (2008), an important element to ensuring a resume is highly marketable is that the resume uses accurate English grammar and vocabulary which includes word form and word choice. Additionally, verbs must be used consistently as in the past tense unless the person is currently working in the specified environment. Punctuation and spelling must also be exact. Furthermore, the resume includes all the necessary items and follows the guidelines required such as objectives, action verbs, dates, places, and so forth with precision all the while being accurate.

Business Words

Bauer-Ramazani (2008) suggests that when writing your resume, it’s important that you are not repetitive with action verbs of business words. Using the same words over and over again will make your resume seem dull. Most employers will pass your resume up because it will show a lack of experience and professionalism. Adding words that convey similar actions in different ways is essential. This means that using a variety of business words to emphasize actions will help to build a strong self image to the potential employer while accelerating one’s own chances of landing the job they are applying for.

Anonymous (2008) English Resources. CareerOwl. Retrieved on April 19, 2009, from http://www.careerowlresources.ca/

Lore, N. (2008). How to write a masterpiece of a resumne. Rockport Institute. Retrieved on April 18, 2009, from http://www.rockportinstitute.com/resumes.html

Bauer-Ramazani, C. (2008) Foundations of Business Administration: Resume Rubrics. Retrieved on April 18, 2009, from http://academics.smcvt.edu/cbauer-ramazani/BU113/Rubrics/resume_rubric.htm

Sales presentations are more than just about selling a product with a strong beginning or end. In creating a winning presentation, it is imperative to present in a savvy, strong, and articulate manner. Not only is how one presents themselves important; but the vocabulary they use when presenting. To have a million dollar vocabulary when presenting a subject, there are certain pre-requisites that one must consider.

First, conducting thorough research is essential. While a subject matter expert may think they know what is important to present or not, understanding the prospective business clients need is something that may not be transparent. Researching the topic methodically as if you are studying for a standardized test like the GRE’s or GMAT’s is an approach many great presenters take because they must comprehend essential knowledge, be able to articulate a range of business vocabulary, and apply qualitative skills to bring the pieces together to make a presentation tick. Following such a methodology shows the thoroughness of the presenter and that the prospective client is important. It will be easy to answer such questions, “says who” and “based on what.” In other words, as a presenter, a person will be able to answer the “why is this important?”

In the medical area, presentation must be clear and articulate. Haber and Lingard (2001) stated that “Oral presentation skills are central to physician-physician communication; however, little is known about how these skills are learned. Rhetoric is a social science which studies communication in terms of context and explores the action of language on knowledge, attitudes, and values.” (p. 308). What we do know; however, is that it is important to make sure that the presenter does not continue to speak without breaks, clearly explains all ambiguous words, and captivates the audience so that they do not deviate their attention from focusing on subject matter other than the topic at hand.

Being able to grab the executive’s attention, whether it is a doctor or a CEO can be done in three key ways: use executive vocabulary, understand business terminology, and be well spoken by presenting the presentation with proper English grammar. According to St. John (1998), “there is further proliferation of terms within Business English; some focus on people, some on purpose and some on jobs. So you may hear of English for Professionals, English for Professional Purposes, and English for Secretaries or Secretarial English.” (p. 4). Furthermore, “Research requires data, people and time. While research time is not the prerogative of lecturers, they at least are paid for it. One limitation on research, whatever our position, is the availability of data, particularly for spoken interactions.” (p. 4). Therefore, it is important to recognize that when developing an executive presentation regardless of profession, the intended audience must be considered as well as the level of research conducted prior to the presentation. A presentation is not just about selling an idea; it is about understanding the data that relates to the topic and the value of the people and their time which are involved in the study.

References Cited

Haber R J & Lingard L A (2001). Learning oral presentation skills: a rhetorical analysis with pedagogical and professional implications. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(5), 308-314

St. John, M.  (1998). Business is booming: Business English in the 1990s. English for Specific Purposes, 15(1), 3-18.

There is a known, circle of scholars that provide tools and software to enhance learning.  These businesses are known for their knowledge within education, combined with their ability to reach students and individuals in need of enhancing their knowledge.  Because of the demands to have the necessary concepts available to children and adults, is the beginning of different curriculum and methods used to enhance learning.  One of the most well known areas of influence is the vocabulary business.

The concepts within a vocabulary business, involve several levels of understanding to provide the correct tools to students.  This includes understandings of how children learn their first words, combined with the ability for children to acquire words over a period of time.  Any vocabulary business combines this with understanding pedagogies and instruction that offers more capacities for growth among students.  Knowing the levels that are needed to not only learn a vocabulary word, but also to apply it in various situations are essential for anyone instructing others on how to apply words to a conversation[1].

It is from this main focus of any vocabulary business that creates the need to move into the knowledge of what it takes to understand words and conversation.  This involves the basic knowledge of definitions and words.  This also involves comprehending what words mean in both everyday conversation, as well as in reading materials.  Most know that the ability to reach those who are learning vocabulary not only through regular definitions, but also with levels of comprehension, is one of the most difficult aspects of learning.  Because of this, any business needs to use the levels of comprehension as a main focus for teaching children or youth.

This concept gives any business a main focus on learning, which includes the desire to reverse the lower levels of comprehension children may have.  The ability to offer the right tools, technology and instruction for complete understanding of vocabulary words is one that requires developing methods which invite in depth knowledge of any topic.  This has to be met with moving into innovations that move outside traditional instruction and into new and more intensive practice of different vocabulary words.  Knowing what causes the failure or success within this is one of the main focuses of any vocabulary business[2].

For any teacher, parent or educator that is looking for methods to teach vocabulary, not only through basics of definitions, but also with comprehension in mind, is the need to create a new level of learning through the use of tools and technology.  Tapping into the best vocabulary business, “Ultimate Vocabulary”, offers a combination of modern tools with innovations and pedagogical concepts that provide students with a new level to learning.

[2] Nagy, William.  (1988).  “Teaching Vocabulary To Improve Reading Comprehension.”  International Reading Association.

Executives often have greater understanding of vocabulary than workers working under executives. Executives due to their managerial responsibilities and functions tend to have greater command in using vocabulary. Their often interactions with clients and people superior to them makes them crave for polished English language. It is understood that people with good command in English language often get respected from business community. English is one of the most spoken languages in the world and the usage of it is very much visible in business. Developing countries are increasingly adopting English into their daily routine or curriculum.

Grammar forms the basic pillars of English language which should be known before speaking. Grammar defines the rules for speaking, reading and writing English language. There are various other aspects to English language such as using the appropriate word in relevant context. English words when used in different context alter the meaning of the sentence completely.

Most people get amazed by the speeches of leading personalities because of their relative usage of powerful words and ideas conveyed through precision and power. Stumbling, fumbling and searching for words are a general occurrence for most of us but not for powerful personalities who give a continuous speech without any difficulty. Communication skills are very important in addition to the knowledge on vocabulary.

Knack to fetch words from memory is an important skill which can be obtained by constant repetition of words learnt. Constant speaking and writing of articles, essays, and short stories will increase your knack to fetch words from the memory. Words form an important part of executive vocabulary. There are other important aspects of executive vocabulary. If you have been into five star hotels you can notice the body language and spoken English of receptionists and other hotel staff. They exhibit courteousness and speak polished form of English. They tend to speak neutral English.

One of the best ways to learn Executive vocabulary is by Audio CD`s. There are commercial Audio CD`s which teach users in using power words in business conversation. Power words increase a person’s stature. Reading editorial contents from newspapers and magazines will improve knowledge of vocabulary. There are books from leading English professors which detail about power words. Dictionaries from leading publishers such as Webster, Oxford, Cambridge, etc have an extensive library of words from which power words can be extracted. Talk it software details about the phonetics and the way you can pronounce words. These software`s can be downloaded onto computers which gives ease of success.

Power words are also called as action verbs. Power words help make a statement stronger. Power words differentiate between an ordinary piece of writing or speech into a powerful dialect or writing. It is good to know and implement power words in your writing and speech. Power words differentiate between ordinary speeches and exemplary speeches. Before even thinking about learning power words one needs to listen to speeches from some of the greatest orators of history no matter how good or bad they are. Politicians generally are the best orators because they need to talk with people and whatever they talk it becomes history. Power words form a stronger impact on audiences which is not the case with ordinary words. Make sure that you know the context and the way to apply words in the sentence. These words can relatively change the meaning of the sentence completely.

Power words are classified according to the industry. There are different power words according to the industry such as Management, sales and marketing, technical, academic, health care, accounting, etc. These power words are to be learnt and implemented in daily conversation which gives you confidence about using them in regular conversations. Keep a log of all the words which you have learnt in a separate note book for later reference. This gives you the much needed confidence and it saves you time.
Power words list is available commercially online and also free versions are available. The best way is to develop your own power words list. Power words list can be developed from the words present in the dictionary. Power words are extracted from the list of words present in the dictionary. There are different kinds of power words which express your mood and emotions. There are words of encouragement, inspiration, wisdom, etc.

There are various games which can be played on power words. It is good to play those games with people who are in the same plane as yours. This will give you various different ideas on improving power vocabulary. Debates also give you good understanding of the usage of power words in various circumstances.

While preparing resume one needs to use power words. Power words give your CV or resume a good appearance. Marketing and sales professionals use power words in their marketing campaigns. These marketing campaigns have effective and powerful words. There are two different voices passive and active. Active readers try to ask questions and extract new vocabulary words; these power words generally improve their overall vocabulary skills.

Vocabulary is very important in everyday life as it can make you stand apart from the crowd. Best orators use vocabulary to their advantage. The difference between the best orators and others lies in the usage of vocabulary and its relevancy to the context. It is not enough to learn different words and their meanings but it is also important to know the context in which they can be used. Some words have their meaning changed according to the context. English has many different kinds of words which can be used in various places and situations.
Usage of technical words defines the user’s knowledge about the subject. To understand and work on business vocabulary one needs to have patience. Business vocabulary is not obtained from everyday usage of English it needs to be mastered from scratch. Business English is learnt and while speaking the learned ascent comes into picture. Examples of usage of business English can be seen in various business channels such as CNBC, BLOOMBERG, etc. In these business TV channels one can see the usage of market related English or in good form finance related English. One of the most important and contrasting part of business English is that you need to learn it and use it relevant to the context.

Business English is widely used in official meetings of companies. Lawyers and other legal person use business English for communication in official circumstances. Legal persons tend to use business English language to avoid legal mishaps which can occur due to usage of general English language.

There are various educational materials which detail about business vocabulary. It is important to know about technical jabber from your material, work related information, etc. The best way to learn business vocabulary is by reciting the jargon again and again. One of the most important ways to learn vocabulary is through implementing what you have learned in a forced way. There are various different ways of learning business vocabulary by means of reading news paper, journals, financial news paper, business journals, etc. There are other ways of improving business vocabulary by means of writing business articles, paper reviews, scientific journals, etc. Giving short speeches, conferences, and business articles reviews one can improve their business vocabulary. Whilst writing tenders, official documents, etc one needs to have very good command in English and business vocabulary. Documentation preparation is an art which needs to be mastered with efficient use of English business vocabulary.

Usage of appropriate vocabulary defines the user’s knowledge about the subject. Power words also play an important role in the learning process of vocabulary. English language has thousands of words which should be learned in a gradual phase. Getting words into memory is an ardent task for students who have English as their second language. Students having English as their second language should learn new words and improve their vocabulary in a gradual manner. While learning new English words one needs to understand the context and meaning. Meaning of the word changes according to the context in which you use it. Words when used in wrong context give out adverse meanings. Vocabulary should be learnt gradually in a phased manner with clear cut goals and guidelines. A notebook should be kept exclusively for vocabulary as it can save you time and provide you as an guide for quick review in future. These books will help you in making informed writing decisions while writing articles, passages, documentation, etc. Make sure that you chart out different sections in your notebook such as business vocabulary, emotions and expression vocabulary, etc.

Learning five new words a day can improve the vocabulary of students having English as their second language. Five new words a day gives you 35 words per week which is a huge addition to your existing vocabulary. Attending word quizzes will also give you good edge on evaluating your vocabulary knowledge. Even professionals can learn three words a day to keep abreast with their language skills.
Expand your vocabulary by reading news papers, journals, etc. Reader digest publishes word power made easy in its monthly edition. Patience needs to be developed when one is trying to expand his vocabulary. Patience and perseverance should be developed before expanding vocabulary. Make sure that you make learning vocabulary as a habit.

In the words of the famous modern day psychologist William James “Do not suffer an exception until the habit is well-ingrained”.

Have a Webster dictionary with you at all times. One of the best ways to learn and retain a certain word into memory is by guessing its relevant context and meaning. Try to analyse the word in various different directions and try to build a sentence out of the word. After giving the word its context make sure that you pronounce the word according to the pattern given in Webster or Oxford. Pronouncing and repeating the word makes the word to remain retained in your long term memory. Use you’re new found word in your daily life which makes the word to remain committed into your memory.

Effective communication plays a vital role in our everyday life. It has the potential to make and break relationships. Relationships can be put into place if the channel of effective communication opens up. Businesses have gone berserk because of poor communication skills between various hierarchies and management staff. Managers or people having their masters in business administration tend to learn effective communication skills because it is part of their job and course of study. This concept has trickled down to various levels of hierarchies throughout the business international and local after discovering the importance of effective communication.
Corporate houses and institutions these days are increasingly placing importance on effective communication skills. Effective communication is a skill which needs to be mustered throughout the course of living. One can gain experience from peers by watching their communication skills. Many renowned institutions are placing emphasis on effective communication skills training programmes along with their academic skills and knowledge. This increased reliance on effective communication has started from the needs of industry. Businesses are increasing the need for communication between all levels of industry professionals.
Effective communication skills can be improved if you follow Basic English rules. Communication is always carried out between two persons through various mediums such as telephone, chat, face to face, internet, etc. While talking to others even to your spouse, friend, dog, etc one thing which matters most is body language. Consciously or unconsciously people tend to send their emotions, feelings, thoughts, etc through their body gestures, position, facing, etc. When a person is trying to convey his thoughts his body automatically adjusts to the tune of his speech and gives out the message unconsciously.
Effective communication is an art which needs to be developed and mastered daily. Before trying to learn the art of effective communication a student needs to have good command on the language in which he is going to converse on. Secondly he needs to have exemplary skills in writing for effective communication. Writing is also an important form of communication especially in twentieth century where most of the communication occurs through electronic means.
Some of the techniques which are discussed here might sound funny but they have proven to work. Stand in front of a mirror and then give out a speech, while giving out the speech notice your body language and facial expressions. During this exercise also concentrate on your English fluency and grammar. Don`t read out a speech from a paper it destroys the essence of this exercise. Participate in debates even at your home, friends place, uni, college, school, etc and then notice other people’s reaction. Don`t be afraid to ask them about your presentation (not the debate topic perse).
Write down a speech, idea, thought, short story, etc and present it to your lecturer, parents, sis, bro, etc. Take down their feedback and work accordingly. Effective communication also places emphasis on listening skills. If you aren’t a good listener try switching on to a good radio station and listen to it patiently.