For Lack of Better Words

So, we say um, uh, and like quite frequently when making a presentation before the class; some of us stumble over words while reading aloud, as others have the nerve to say, "why are you using all these big words," when you merely chose to say profusion, rather than a word like abundance, or-- for lack of better words, in place of using a phrase such as: a lot of...

It appears as if I've become the critic of my own generation, and in voicing my concerns and opinions on various matters, I have no problem admitting that I too make these mistakes. I say um too often, when nervous, and though I may not stumble as I read; if ever, I come across a word that I don't recognize, I make the effort to find both the word and its definition in the dictionary. We make up a collective body of young adults, each ambitious in their education and professions, and in doing so, we choose to make provincial terms, such as "bo" (a South Carolina slang word), "homie", or "bruh," apart of our everyday conversations: be it a discussion with a group of friends, advice-seeking time with one's parents, and unfortunately, some of us may slip up and use it when speaking to a professor.

As people, we take on different personas; hence, there's a time and place for everything: a time to take on a professional disposition; a predicament of seriousness, one of which jokes may not be the best idea, and so forth. The way we alter our attitudes and personality to fit a situation, is the same approach we ought to use, as we pick and choose what words would best present our message.

In speaking of our generation's lack of better words, there truly are no words (or at least none that I can find) to express how annoying it is to receive a puzzled response from someone because the words I use are too big. No, I do not use big words to be pretentious or to show off, and I doubt any others with an extensive vocabulary share those intentions, but I wonder-- since when did contemplate become a term we struggle to comprehend. Sure, I could say think rather than contemplate, but the beauty in having a big vocabulary is the will to express oneself freely.

The English language is composed of a plethora of words; therefore, our preference in being confined to a handful of simple, unsophisticated terms, is a mere reflection of our presentation of ourselves.  

An old saying implies that "if you're going to talk the talk, you've got to walk the walk." Well, in our case, many of us are attempting to walk the walk; however, we cease to make the effort to talk the talk. How can one confidently regard their ambitions as the next great leader, entrepreneur, instructor, or medical expert, all while assuming their capabilities of pursuing that position are filled with ample possibilities, when you speak using a minuscule language?

Eloquence in speech and craft is the gist of talking the talk and walking the walk—I honestly believe the words one chooses to use when speaking, has a correlation to the message that is being presented, the way it is received, alongside the perception the audience makes of the speaker.

Expanding our vocabulary gives us the liberty to express ourselves freely, in an educated manner, and it allows us to portray ourselves within a professional arena. Lastly, I urge you to use the dictionary, find alternative words to replace simple terms like "thing," and be inquisitive to the extent that you find yourself lost in the art of language, because the words we speak consume us, they're a reflection of who we are and what we know.