Group Speak Run Amok
Working in the Dilbertesque world of corporate America, I have noticed one of the more annoying habits that working with the same people day-in, day-out creates: Group Speak. My definition of it is picking up bad speaking or writing habits from co-workers. Some are subtle, some not so subtle. Most of the time it’s a habit that a person is not aware of and/or have picked up from someone else. I am just as guilty as anyone for picking up these habits or unknowingly spreading my own.
When I notice these querks in other people they are funny and sometimes a bit annoying depending on the situation. For instance, the overuse of the word “so”. I’m not talking about using the word at appropriate times, but in the most ridiculous instances. In this case, using the word “so” at the beginning of every sentence! It doesn’t end there. Some are a long drawn out “soooooo” or a quick fire “so… so… so…” or speaking only in incomplete sentences beginning each fragment with “so”. After I notice it, I can’t stop noticing it!
So… at least it’s a source of entertainment in an otherwise boring situation. So… I suppose all of this reveals a lot about how people can be easily influenced.
