Merriam Webster, that dictionary publisher you recall from your schooldays, has chosen 2023’s word of the year:
My blog posts here have been called authentic more than once (thank you to those who did). It is my speaking to you in my own language, my own tone, my own voice. No one ghostwriting it for me. No AI. Just me. Keystroking my thoughts directly to you.
And the short, but authentic, message to give you here is to implore you (yep), to be really you in all you plan to say, create, construct your profile, and in your posts and comments on others’ posts. As if you are speaking to the reader on the phone or zoom.
Or they will leave, especially if you speak in jargon, acronyms they do not know, or in resume-y bullet points. Because then they cannot relate to you and they are looking for someone to fill the knowledge you possess and express that they seek to augment.
That’s why.
So make them stay, not drive them away.
If you need help, ask me for it. Not everyone can get out from under themselves and express their “why” without some coaching.
Just. Be. Authentic.
Coming attraction: Oxford Dictionary's 2023 slang word and my take on it can raise you up.
