The words we use shape our every day, our environment, the people around us, and our world.
Are we using words and phrases in a way that creates the world we want to live in? Are we using language in a way that allows us to intentionally connect, include, and bring people together?
In this episode, with special guest Emily Nichols, we look at the topic of the many things we say (and phrases we take for granted), and how they can actually work to alienate and separate, rather than unite and include.
In this episode:
- Emily's story in creating a TedX Talk and what inspired it
- Why it might not be all it's cracked up to be to be "one of the guys"
- How to consider new ways to speak that brings people together for more collaboration and connection
- What to do if you're struggling to get on board with the ever-changing world of the English language
- How to overcome your fear of making a mistake around saying the right thing
- The difference between descriptivism and prescriptivism
- And more!
Quotes and Definitions:
"The creative capacity of language is greater than its entire recorded history." - Gretchen McCulloch (p.269 of Because Internet)
Demonym: a noun used to denote the natives or inhabitants a particular country, state, city, etc.
Resources Mentioned:
Book: Word By Word: The Secret Life of Dictionaries by Cory Stamper
Book: Because Internet. Understanding the New Rules of Language by Gretchen McCulloch
Claudia Goldin on Women in the Labor Force
Link to Emily's TedX Talk. "What If We Didn't Have to Be One of the Guys?"
About Emily Nichols:
Speaking from the stage or the factory floor, Emily Nichols nudges technical people to embrace their human skills, so they can become better problem solvers, team players, and leaders. A professional engineer with decades of experience in manufacturing and innovation, Emily has improved products and processes from breakfast cereal to automotive paint and electrical steel. She easily connects at all levels of organizations, inspiring deeper understanding and collaborative teamwork. Emily has a B.Sc. in Systems Engineering (University of Guelph) and a M.A.Sc. in Chemical Engineering (McMaster University). She summarized her master’s thesis in five Dr. Seuss rhymes.
Connect with Emily Nichols:
Website: https://emilynichols.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilynichols/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ideasEmily
Connect with Me, Your Host Emily Aborn: Content Copywriter
Emily Aborn is a Content Copywriter, Speaker, and Podcast Host of Content with Character and She Built This. Since 2014, she’s had experience running brick-and-mortar as well as online businesses. She’s worked with 97+ industries and loves helping others increase their visibility with clear messaging and strategic content. She lives in New Hampshire and for fun, enjoys nerdy word games, reading, listening to podcasts, and hiking with her husband, Jason, and their dog, Clyde.
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