The Changing Certification of Words
Erin McKean, the editor and chief of the Oxford American Heritage Dictionary, presented at TED (Technology, Education and Design), the annual conference that brings together the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes).
Her presentation is very relevant to business writers (and anyone who loves language) for two reasons:
1) She explores the questions: When does a made-up word become real? Is the beloved paper dictionary doomed to extinction? Implicitly, she supports the concept that language is constantly evolving and “official” designation is not necessary before a business writer can use a word.
2) Notice her very effective use of PowerPoint in her presentation, and learn a valuable lesson: reduce text and use photos, illustrations and videos. Your visual display should support your speech, not supplant it. After all, what’s the value of talking while others are reading?
Notice how visual images enhanced her speech. You can get good quality photos, inexpensively, from sites such as iStockphoto.
Her talk is infectiously exuberant, and looks at the many ways in which today’s print dictionary is poised for transformation in this Internet era. (Recorded March 2007 in Monterey, California. Duration: 15:41.)
NOTE: If you have any difficulties viewing this video, you can follow this link directly to the TED website.
Words are interesting and ever-evolving!
Mary
Instructional Solutions
