Good
Grammar is Golden
By
Debbie Bailey, ACC
Each
time you vocalize a thought, put your pen to paper and
write, or type in a message, memo, or report on a computer,
you are communicating your level of professionalism
by your choice of vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and
pronunciation. Do you consider your language usage the
best it can be? How strong is your desire to improve
your English? It may have been your least favorite in
school, but now it is an important component for your
career.
Achieving
certification not only implies that you possess certain
knowledge and skills in your field, but that you are
truly a professional. One means of projecting your competency
is through the correct usage of English, both in writing
and speaking. Many of the residents we serve come from
an era when proper use of language was an accepted and
often expected practice and they appreciate and note
the difference when we carefully employ proper grammar.
A good practice to remember is to avoid adolescent and
common slang. Additionally, it is better not to address
residents as "you guys" - they are ladies
and gentlemen. Being sensitive to the nuance of language
demonstrates respect.
Professional
advancement can be the result of your effort at self-improvement.
To achieve polish in oral presentations, be they to
residents or to colleagues, you might want to contact
your local Toastmaster's Club. You are certain to gain
valuable skills and training. For improving your writing
skills, you might also consider enrolling in a communication
class at your local community college - many classes
may be available on-line. How about night classes at
your local high school? Credits earned in these classes
count as continuing education for certification and
renewal. Choose to select some person's speech patterns
and delivery that you admire and try to emulate them.
Our residents can serve as our most valuable resource.
It
is always a good idea to keep a dictionary readily available
and consult it often. That is an excellent way to further
your self-improvement. Dictionaries, thesauruses, and
even your local newspapers will enhance your effectiveness
in delivery. These sources are inexpensive and easily
accessible.
A
well-planned endeavor on your part, if brought to fulfillment,
almost undoubtedly insures improved rapport with your
residents, compliments from your supervisor, and self-gratification.
It may even result in advancement in your profession
- leading you to the conclusion that good grammar is
indeed golden!
NN
"The
Spring 2007 NCCAP News article also contributed by Ms
Bailey"
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