Whoever got the idea, the more syllables, the smarter someone is or sounds, probably is not a kindred spirit to me. You can say a lot in few words, a lot of information, sentiment, or anything. As I’ve noted before, in journalism this is about valuing readers’ time.

Hard works for difficult; on usually works for regarding; to, for in order to; about for approximately, and so on. Look at all the syllables – and time – it saves. Think of it as a game: The object is to say something in the fewest syllables. 

What inspired this refresher in why everyone should try to be a person of few words? What else? The pandemic.

The reasons are two-fold, about oral and written communication: With our mouths open to talk, we can let in and release those infamous droplets that could contain the virus; masks help, but not when we pull down our masks to unmuffle our speech. I’ve done it, when requested because someone had hearing loss; and I see it all the time. So, make each word count; an extra word or more allows another chance for spread.

As for writing about the pandemic, I’ve noticed the phrase “an abundance of caution” is in. Instead of doing something out of caution, which should be enough and says it all, some underscore it with an abundance. It says they are going the extra mile, being super-cautious. I respect people’s use of caution in and before the pandemic. 

People mean well when they say those extra words. But it is not needed.

It’s like saying you really respect someone. You either respect them or you don’t.

So let’s all practice caution and respect, to help kill the pandemic, and save a syllable or three.