We have all heard the term "millennial" and know that it is the term typically used to describe an individual born between the early 1980's and mid 1990's. Most people can spot them a mile away, just by the words they use and their style of speaking. In the workplace, they are judged as inexperienced and sound noticeably different from seasoned professionals.
It isn't until a millennial has been in the professional world for an extended period of time and raises in the ranks that their speaking style becomes more polished. If you speak like a millennial, you don't have to wait that long if you make just a few simple changes to your speech right now.
Do you speak like a millennial? Here are a few ways to tell:
You might sound like a millennial if:
• You speak with a gradually rising pitch, both when pausing and when ending sentences. This makes it sound like you are asking questions, rather than speaking in sentences. It's, "I go to work every day" and NOT "I go to work every day?"
• You use the words "like" often when you speak. It's like you might use it, like, all the time, so it sounds like it might be, like, your favorite word!
• You speak very quickly. Young adults seem to want to get everything that want to say out as quickly as possible. We usually associate a very fast pace with someone who is young and inexperienced. Most older professionals speak more slowly and are viewed as more as more experienced, confident and convincing. If you want people to take you seriously, speak more slowly.
• You use the word "dude" for everyone, even in a professional setting. This is a no-no in the professional business world because it is too informal and sounds unprofessional. So, dude, don't use that word at work, especially with leadership.
• You say, "I know, right?" too often. Yes, a millennial is famous for saying this when they strongly agree with something someone says, especially if it is about them. For example, if someone says, "You're a great worker", the millennial might say, "I know, right?" to agree with you.
So, dude, speak more slowly to sound experienced and, like, end your sentences with a downward pitch so people won't think you are asking questions or pausing all the time. At work, be as professional as possible, and you will quickly be viewed as a person who takes their work seriously. I know, right?
It isn't until a millennial has been in the professional world for an extended period of time and raises in the ranks that their speaking style becomes more polished. If you speak like a millennial, you don't have to wait that long if you make just a few simple changes to your speech right now.
Do you speak like a millennial? Here are a few ways to tell:
You might sound like a millennial if:
• You speak with a gradually rising pitch, both when pausing and when ending sentences. This makes it sound like you are asking questions, rather than speaking in sentences. It's, "I go to work every day" and NOT "I go to work every day?"
• You use the words "like" often when you speak. It's like you might use it, like, all the time, so it sounds like it might be, like, your favorite word!
• You speak very quickly. Young adults seem to want to get everything that want to say out as quickly as possible. We usually associate a very fast pace with someone who is young and inexperienced. Most older professionals speak more slowly and are viewed as more as more experienced, confident and convincing. If you want people to take you seriously, speak more slowly.
• You use the word "dude" for everyone, even in a professional setting. This is a no-no in the professional business world because it is too informal and sounds unprofessional. So, dude, don't use that word at work, especially with leadership.
• You say, "I know, right?" too often. Yes, a millennial is famous for saying this when they strongly agree with something someone says, especially if it is about them. For example, if someone says, "You're a great worker", the millennial might say, "I know, right?" to agree with you.
So, dude, speak more slowly to sound experienced and, like, end your sentences with a downward pitch so people won't think you are asking questions or pausing all the time. At work, be as professional as possible, and you will quickly be viewed as a person who takes their work seriously. I know, right?
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