Review of "Word Wise: Say What
You Mean, Deepen Your Connections, and Get to the Point" by Will Jelbert
In an era
where communication is dominated by rapid-fire texts, social media snippets,
and endless Zoom calls, the art of truly connecting through words often feels
lost. Enter "Word Wise: Say What You Mean, Deepen Your Connections, and
Get to the Point" by Will Jelbert, a refreshing guide that promises to supercharge
your speech and writing. Published in October 2020 by Running Press, this
224-page paperback dives into the nuances of language with wit, practicality,
and a touch of grammatical insight. Jelbert, a communications consultant,
coach, and author of bestsellers like "The Happiness Animal," draws
from eight years of research to unpack how our words can either build bridges
or erect barriers in personal and professional relationships.
As someone
who's navigated diverse cultural landscapes—from growing up on a family farm in
Cornwall, England, to stints in India, France, Germany, Australia, and now New
York—Jelbert brings a global perspective to the table. His work has appeared in
outlets like MindBodyGreen and Thrive Global, reaching millions. In "Word
Wise," he positions himself as a "Marie Kondo for language,"
challenging readers to declutter their verbal habits and spark joy through
clearer expression. The book's core mission is to expose "word
trash"—those filler words, hyperboles, and abstractions that muddle our
messages—and champion "word power," the vibrant verbs, sensory
details, and onomatopoeia that make communication pop. With over 400 examples
pulled from social media, Donald Trump's rhetoric, AI language studies, and
everyday slang, Jelbert offers concrete tools to communicate more effectively
at home, work, and online.
What makes
this book stand out is its blend of entertainment and education. It's not a dry
linguistics textbook; instead, it's a laugh-out-loud journey that feels like
chatting with a witty friend who's passionate about words. As Adam Smiley
Poswolsky notes, it's "a laugh-out-loud journey to find the right words
for every situation. This book will make you a better communicator—and a better
person." Michelle Gielan calls it "an essential guide for a
social-media saturated generation," while Kate Riordan praises Jelbert for
"challenging our worst habits and offering a way through the
clutter." These endorsements set the tone for a read that's both
insightful and actionable, urging us to rethink how we talk and write in a
world overflowing with noise.
The book
is neatly divided into two main parts: "Word Trash" and "Word
Power," mirroring the dual focus on what to avoid and what to embrace. In
Part One, Jelbert dissects the bad habits that plague modern communication. He
defines "word trash" as the linguistic litter we scatter
unconsciously—filler words like "um," "like," and "you
know"; hyperboles such as "always" or "never" that exaggerate
reality; and abstractions like "should" or "stuff" that
obscure meaning. Drawing from real-world examples, he analyzes how social media
amplifies these issues. Think of vague tweets or Instagram captions that assume
shared understanding but often lead to misunderstandings. Jelbert points to
Donald Trump's language as a case study in both trash and power, showing how
repetitive phrases can hypnotize audiences but also dilute substance.
One
particularly eye-opening section explores AI language research, revealing how
algorithms struggle with human ambiguities, much like we do in daily
interactions. Jelbert includes practical exercises, like auditing your own
speech for fillers or rewriting emails to eliminate abstractions. He argues
that these habits not only waste time but also erode connections, turning conversations
into superficial exchanges. For instance, saying "I should exercise
more" is vague and guilt-inducing, whereas "I will run three times a
week" is direct and empowering. Cross-cultural insights add depth—British
understatement versus American directness, or Australian slang's role in
bonding—reminding readers that context matters.
Transitioning
to Part Two, "Word Power," Jelbert shifts to empowerment. Here, he
celebrates verbs of action (e.g., "sprint" instead of "go
quickly"), ear candy (pleasing sounds like alliteration), and onomatopoeia
(words like "buzz" or "crash" that mimic sounds). He
encourages sensory language to paint vivid pictures, turning bland statements
into engaging narratives. Poetry and literature get nods, with Jelbert
suggesting that "beautiful words" can evoke emotions and foster
empathy. He ties this to happiness research, linking precise language to
stronger relationships and personal fulfillment.
Throughout,
Jelbert sprinkles grammar tips without overwhelming the reader—think quick
refreshers on adverbs versus strong verbs. The book's structure is
user-friendly, with short chapters, bullet-point lists, and relatable
anecdotes. It's designed for dipping in and out, making it ideal for busy
professionals or anyone seeking quick wins in communication. By the end,
Jelbert invites experimentation, urging readers to play with words like
"laughter," which research shows boosts happiness more than any other
term.
Delving
deeper into why "Word Wise" resonates, it's clear Jelbert taps into a
universal need: authentic connection in a disconnected world. In a review on
Goodreads, reader Moné highlights how the book teaches direct expression to
reduce misunderstandings and build relationships, emphasizing self-correction
lists for speech and writing. Adam E. appreciates the division between trash
and power, noting how vague words like "should" hide true intentions,
and praises the social media analysis for family and work applications. Khyati
Gautam enjoys the humor and diverse examples, from Trump tweets to AI,
promoting simplicity for sincerity.
The Pretty
Peony Blog review echoes this, calling it a beneficial read on word usage with
social media examples, beneficial for those interested in English's deeper
meanings. The blogger notes the book's breakdown of poor word choices in
society, like slang over action words, and how proper usage conveys messages
powerfully. They add that elocution plays a role, extending Jelbert's ideas.
From my
perspective, "Word Wise" excels in practicality. Take workplace
scenarios: instead of "We need to think about improving sales,"
Jelbert advocates "Let's boost sales by targeting new demographics."
This shift from passive to active fosters accountability and momentum. At home,
avoiding absolutes like "You always forget" prevents defensiveness,
opening doors to "I feel overlooked when..." for deeper empathy.
Jelbert's
global experiences enrich the narrative, highlighting how language barriers in
multicultural settings amplify the need for clarity. His research on AI underscores
future implications— as chatbots evolve, human communication must stay vivid to
remain irreplaceable. The book's wit shines in sections like analyzing
"heard-on-the-street lingo," where urban slang meets formal advice,
making linguistics accessible.
Critically,
some might find the examples dated, given the 2020 publication—Trump references
feel timely then but less fresh now. Occasionally, the lists of 400+ cases
overwhelm, though Jelbert mitigates this with brevity. It's not for grammar
purists seeking depth; it's more pop-linguistics, entertaining over exhaustive.
A few readers on Goodreads note that it prompts reflection but lacks revolutionary
insights for advanced communicators.
Yet, these
minor flaws don't detract from its value. As Unleash The Knowledge reviewer
says, it's an "entertaining pop-linguistics book" linking language to
happiness, perfect for countering disconnection. In X discussions, users share
summaries praising its directness, like toniorecio's one-liner on word selection
for audience connection.
Ultimately,
"Word Wise" is a must-read for anyone tired of miscommunications. It
empowers you to say what you mean, deepen bonds, and cut to the chase. Whether
you're a professional honing presentations or someone seeking richer personal
talks, Jelbert's guide delivers. In a word-saturated world, this book clears
the clutter, leaving you wiser and more connected. Highly recommended—pick it
up and watch your words work wonders.
