Whether you are opting for one method or another, it is the terminology by which you are introduced to it. Each method, each system that provides means for self development, has a certain terminology. Often a very specific one. Through terms you get to understand and apply what methods actually teach you. Terms are creating the frame. They are the most essential part of any method or system. The only problem with terms is that they tend to become petrified. They don’t sound any more like they used to. Can you recognize the first symptoms?

I said they get petrified. Just to soften the material a little, I am sure you know the expression “wooden language”. This is what this is about. When overuse threatens the terminology of a self development method, slowly it shows the symptoms of the wooden language. Realizing it is a key for a fresh start. Is the key for getting your previous effort to another level.

When you are deeply involved into some method of self development, it is very natural at first to become used to its terminology. After that, routine is gained. Then you reach the ease of communicating with other people involved into the same activity. So far, so good. As a rule, after routine becomes a habit, wooden language is showing up. The only exception from this rule is made by those with a strong self observing attitude. This is a rare bird, often known as a gift. But it’s important to mention that there is an exception.

When the boat of creativity is leaking…

The first symptom of wooden language gaining ground is the absence of creativity. It is just if the boat of creativity would have got a leak. Slowly sinking, it let’s you get used to it. It happens so slow that you start to feel quite comfortable with it. And in the end, there is nothing left but the stereotypes of the wooden language.

5 tips to get rid of wooden language

Here I give you my 5 tips on how to get rid of wooden language:

1. Listen to yourself. Try to act as a witness to your discussion. Try to see yourself from the outside. This makes you aware of your verbal stereotypes.
2. Listen to others. Especially to new people or people whom you did not met for a long time. They will sense the change in you and probably will let you know about it.
3. Stop repeating the same terms. If you have to speak about the same idea again, try to rephrase it with different words. This is how you can start regaining your lost creativity.
4. Try to be more specific. Wooden language brings the ability to generalize. When there is a chance for a new term to enter into your verbal frames, commodity will choose generalization. That’s the easy way. So, try to be more specific, try to enter into details.
5. Shut up. If there is no way out at all, at least try to keep your mouth shut. That way you won’t bother others with your verbal splinters.

The 5th one goes for me now. Hopefully those 5 tips should do for a start. But the above list is open for your completions.

Search: