Podcast Summary: All Ears English Podcast Episode: AEE 2413: How to Be Concise Part 2: Choose Your Words
Release Date: May 22, 2025
Hosts: Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan

Introduction

In Episode 2413 of the All Ears English Podcast, hosts Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan delve into the art of being concise in English communication. This episode, the second installment in a three-part series, focuses on the strategic selection of vocabulary to enhance clarity and impact in everyday conversations, professional settings, and academic environments.

Key Topics and Discussions

1. Understanding the Importance of Conciseness

   Lindsay and Michelle open the discussion by addressing common challenges in achieving conciseness. They emphasize that excessive use of words can dilute the effectiveness of the message.

   Michelle [02:06]: "What is the biggest culprit that keeps someone from being concise?"
   Lindsay [02:11]: "Honestly, probably using too many words. That's a big one. And the more words we use, the less impactful each word becomes."

   This exchange sets the stage for exploring practical strategies to refine language use.

2. Strategy 1: Cutting Filler Words

   The first strategy centers around eliminating unnecessary fillers such as "like," "um," and "you know," which can distract from the main message.

   Michelle [04:49]: "The first one is to cut filler words. Right. These likes and other unnecessary fillers. Yes, we all do it, but they can dilute or distract from our message."

   Practical Tips:

   • Recording and Self-Monitoring: Lindsay suggests recording conversations to identify and reduce filler usage.
   • Slowing Down Speech: Michelle advises slowing down to allow time for thoughtful word selection, which can enhance fluency and control.

   Lindsay [05:10]: "We can record ourselves. We can take notes about how many fillers we're using in any given conversation."

3. Strategy 2: Avoiding Redundancy and Shortening Phrases

   The second strategy focuses on eliminating repetitive words and phrases that do not add value to the message.

   Michelle [07:04]: "When we think about being redundant, it's about being repetitive... we want to eliminate those fillers."

   Examples Provided:

   • "Due to the fact that" → "Because"
   • "End result" → "Result"
   • "Each and every" → "Each" or "Every"
   • "Let's collaborate together" → "Collaborate"

   Lindsay [07:34]: "Due to the fact that. Imagine how. How many brain calories that takes to actually say that. It's a lot, Aubrey."

   These examples illustrate how simplifying language can make communication more direct and efficient.

4. Strategy 3: Eliminating Unnecessary Qualifiers

   The third strategy involves removing weak or vague descriptors to strengthen the message.

   Michelle [09:58]: "The third is to eliminate unnecessary qualifiers. So as a language learner, you have likely seen this where people will say, you know, very, very easy. Say this instead."

   Examples Provided:

   • "Very big problem" → "Enormous problem"
   • "Really angry" → "Furious"

   Lindsay [10:28]: "You'll have an impression of someone as being someone who is concise and respects your time, depending on the language, the vocabulary they use."

   By choosing more precise adjectives, speakers can convey their messages more vividly and engage their audience effectively.

5. Strategy 4: Using Stronger Verbs

   The final strategy emphasizes replacing "be" verbs with more dynamic alternatives to add vigor to the communication.

   Michelle [11:49]: "Our fourth and final tip is to use stronger verbs. Replace be verbs whenever possible. This is a minor change, but it is more concise, and it often does make your message a little bit stronger."

   Examples Provided:

   • "There is an opportunity" → "We have an opportunity"
   • "There are time-saving benefits" → "We can save time"

   Lindsay [12:57]: "More about you and me, not about what's out there. Abstractly speaking. Right?"

   These substitutions make statements more personal and action-oriented, enhancing the overall impact.

Practical Application: Role Play Scenario

To demonstrate the application of these strategies, Lindsay and Michelle engage in a role play of a school board meeting. This exercise highlights how concise language can make communication more effective even in formal settings.

Michelle [15:36]: "Because we only have 30 minutes. Minutes."
Lindsay [15:55]: "I have an announcement to start us out."

Throughout the role play, they showcase the use of precise vocabulary and the elimination of unnecessary phrases, reinforcing the episode's strategies.

Final Takeaways

Lindsay and Michelle conclude the episode by reiterating the significance of vocabulary in achieving conciseness. They encourage listeners to consume a variety of content, such as reading and watching media, to naturally acquire a richer and more varied vocabulary.

Lindsay [17:31]: "They just play an enormous role. Right. To think about how it seems subtle but really does make a difference."

They also preview the next episode, which will explore grammatical techniques to further enhance conciseness in communication.

Conclusion

Episode 2413 of the All Ears English Podcast offers valuable insights into refining English communication through strategic vocabulary choices. By implementing the discussed strategies—cutting filler words, avoiding redundancy, eliminating unnecessary qualifiers, and using stronger verbs—listeners can enhance their clarity and impact in both personal and professional interactions. The episode not only provides practical examples but also encourages active practice, essential for mastering concise communication.

Additional Resources

• Previous Episode: Episode 2410: How to Be Concise Part 1: Direct Your Message
• Upcoming Episode: Part 3: Using Grammar to Be More Concise

Quote Highlights:

• Michelle [04:49]: "These likes and other unnecessary fillers... can dilute or distract from our message."
• Lindsay [07:34]: "Due to the fact that... it's a lot, Aubrey."
• Michelle [09:58]: "Eliminate unnecessary qualifiers... say this instead."
• Lindsay [12:57]: "More about you and me, not about what's out there. Abstractly speaking."

By focusing on connection rather than perfection, Lindsay and Michelle empower English learners to communicate more effectively and confidently.