Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes sociolinguist Valerie Fridland to discuss her new book Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English. They explore the significance of language use in leadership, including the use of filler words, intensifiers, and vocal fry. She challenges the notion that filler words should be eliminated, highlighting their cognitive and communicative benefits. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the complexities of language and its role in effective communication. It's a fun discussion about language that will have you laughing, for sure, but also leaving the conversation with insights to help you lead more effectively at work (and at home). Sound Bites "Probably the best answer is I know enough about other languages to order a beer in those languages and that's pretty much probably all you need." "But it's also on the other side that when we're letting ourselves get distracted by those speech features (filler words), and then we're dismissing what they have to say because of something we don't like, we're also doing something wrong." "I said I study vowel movements. He heard bowel movements and thought I was a gastroenterologist." "If parents are worried about the way their kids talk, just show really good interest in trying to copy it and they'll never say it in front of you again." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:21 Start Of Interview 03:34 Language And Social Identity 06:56 The Evolution Of Language And Social Identity 13:41 The Role Of Filler Words 22:53 The History And Use Of 'Like' 34:11 Pressures On Women In The Workplace 34:58 Vocal Fry In Media And Public Perception 35:23 Gender And Vocal Fry Criticism 38:38 Understanding And Adapting Speech Features 39:52 Effective Communication Strategies 41:32 Judging Speech In Professional Contexts 47:48 Advice For Parents On Communication 50:18 Wrap-Up 50:39 Andy Comments After The Interview 52:51 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Valerie and her book at ValerieFridland.com. Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: project management, leadership, language, social identity, filler words, communication, vocal fry, gendered speech, linguistic diversity, parenting The following music was used for this episode: Music: Fantastical Ferret by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Tuesday by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license