Most young professionals are probably shocked to learn how much they actually swear in a given day. While using language that your grandmother would surely refer to as “profanity” may be acceptable among certain peers in purely social situations, it isn’t so much in the work place. Often, however, swear words have become so ingrained into a typical YP vocabulary that we don’t even notice when we are using them – or in whose presence. Here are some tips to control that potty mouth.
Remember What it Represents
If you walked into any sort of business, from restaurant to massive office building, and overheard employees freely inserting swear words into their dialogue, chances are you would be more turned off by the unprofessionalism that it represents than think the liberally-tongued work culture was “cool.” Remind yourself that swearing, especially when it arises out of anger, automatically puts a person in a position of less power, making him or her appear unable to intellectually articulate his or her views, unable to control his or her emotions, and even of lower class.
Identify the Triggers
Swearing is often the result of anger or frustration. Instead of lashing out, try to identify the root of the problem and what is causing such feelings. Experiment with trying to control your emotions and outburst via your preferred mechanism of choice. This could mean taking a timeout to breathe instead of being so quick to react. Sometimes, swearing happens among certain company when you’re not mad at all, as in “that’s f#cki%ng awesome,” or “how are you, b!t%h? There is a time and a place for this type of banter (namely among peers in entirely social settings) but not in the workplace or even a work-related networking event, where the conversations of others are easily overheard. Make an extra effort to control yourself when engaging in such casual banter with “work friends.”
Find Replacement Words
Find replacement words or sayings if you must say something to express your anger, frustration or distaste. Replace your usual swear words with a less offensive phrase, but not necessarily something that sounds like you’re in the presence of a kindergarten class. Instead, pick something funny, witty or offbeat – something that may even be easily adopted by those around you. Do not choose any phrase that sounds too much like the dirty version; it will be easier to fall back into the original expression. A good exercise in self-expression and verbal communication, practice expressing your thoughts yourself using a wider, more articulate vocabulary.
Practice at all Times
It would not be such a challenge to steer clear of “f-bombs” and the “s-word” in the workplace if you learned to try to control them in your every day life, regardless of your company. Pay attention to swearing habits of yourself and the people around when speaking. If your significant other has the mouth of a trucker, encourage him or her to cut back as well – the more you are exposed and surrounded by it, the more you’ll want to do it. Similarly, ask friends, coworkers and family to point out your swear word slippage.
Punish and Reward Yourself
Much like you would children, reprimand yourself for your slip-ups in the swearing department. This need not be your own “swear jar” sitting promptly on your desk for co-workers to see, but something like depriving yourself of that late-day cappuccino and having to settle for a coffee instead (how horrible), or to tack an extra minute to your elliptical time with each curse word. By the same token, reward yourself for your swear-free days.
Remember: if you have a problem now, it’s better you correct the problem before kids are involved. Sh*t – did we just say kids?!