Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

Just use those other words.

“In other words…,” spoken by someone frustrated with their attempts to write or speak.

“What I’m trying to say is…,” also spoken by someone frustrated with their attempts to write or speak.

There is something about communicating in either the written or spoken word. After fumbling, grumbling, and doing everything else that rhymes with -umbling, the person blurts, “In other words …” What follows are golden words that communicate thoughts.

Great! The frustrated and flustered person had the right words. Throw away all that other stuff and use those words.

“But I spent so much time on those words.” So what, toss them.

“But my boss expects two pages and I can’t just turn in three sentences.” Yes, you can.

Simply use the other words. Simply use the words that you are trying to say. It will be fine. Everyone will be happier.