Weasel WordsWeasel Words

How to Keep from Committing How to Keep from Committing to Anythingto Anything

(Without even Trying)(Without even Trying)

Weasel WordsWeasel Words

They don’t come from here: They come from here:

Well Known ExamplesWell Known Examples

Well Known ExamplesWell Known Examples

Why do we use them?Why do we use them?

We live in a polite society(but we’re inconsiderate bastards)

We’re selfish(but we like to keep our options open)

We’re afraid to commit(but we don’t want to disappoint)

It Hasn’t Always Been This WayIt Hasn’t Always Been This Way

It Hasn’t Always Been This WayIt Hasn’t Always Been This Way

Why the change?Why the change?

Advances in technology

Disappointment breeds a lack Disappointment breeds a lack of Commitmentof Commitment

Snowball EffectSnowball Effect

Today’s ToolsToday’s Tools

Instant communications = Instant avoidance

Okay, I get it. Now What?Okay, I get it. Now What?

Let’s take a look at some carefully chosen words that have become commonplace…

I’ll TryI’ll Try

Convenient side-step answer to a Yes or No question

Between 8:00 and 9:00Between 8:00 and 9:00

A time range that may or may not hold, but not a firm commitment

I’d like to, but…I’d like to, but…

Touchy-feely way of saying No, without actually saying No.

It may be…

I’m planning to…I’m planning to…

We’ll seeWe’ll see

Now what?Now what?

You know what they are

You know how to avoid them

Or…

Find me here:Find me here:

Twitter: @brharrison

almostliveproductions.com

idahoadagencies.com