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This Word Literally Cramps Your Credibility
- by: Hank Berkowitz
- March 26, 2025
No CommentsStanding in the coffee shop line the other day, I couldn’t help overhearing these cringeworthy conversations around me: “OMG. I literally died laughing!” (No, you’re very much alive, I thought to myself. That’s unfortunate for those of us around you). “I’m literally freezing.” (You’re probably just cold and under-dressed I thought). “The dude’s business literally
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Long Live the Whiteboard
- by: Hank Berkowitz
- February 26, 2025
My last post (The Power of Writing Things Down) generated more comments than usual. Many of you were intrigued by research showing how writing things down by hand improves retention, clarity and commitment and also reduces stress. There’s also the accountability factor. If we take the time to write down our goals or obligations rather
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The Power of Writing Things Down
- by: Hank Berkowitz
- January 23, 2025
When I’m rushing out the door late for an appointment, my wife inevitably asks me to pick up some skim milk, real butter and jumbo eggs on the way home. “Three items. Nothing unusual. I’ve got this,” I tell myself and commit the task to memory. But then come the pesky addendums to the list
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Don’t Be a Wise Guy (or Gal)
- by: Hank Berkowitz
- December 20, 2024
Lately I’ve been hearing more and more abuse of the suffix “wise” by people trying to make themselves sound more important. During the recent World Series, a TV announcer reassured us that New York Yankees ace pitcher Gerrit Cole hadn’t changed “demeanor-wise” after giving up a game changing grand slam to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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Ditch the Duplicatives
- by: Hank Berkowitz
- November 27, 2024
Just when I thought we were eradicating cliches like “space” and “low-hanging fruit” and “it is what it is” from business communication, a new scourge has surfaced – the duplicative. That’s when you add redundant words to a simple phrase to make it sound more important. Stop doing it! I don’t have stats to back