As an executive speech coach, I often stress to my clients that specificity is the cornerstone of credibility. To communicate effectively, every word must serve a purpose. One common misstep in public speaking and writing is the overuse of conjunctions like “and” or “but” to begin sentences. My English teacher told the class, “Originally intended as a verbal flourish, these conjunctions can overwhelm your message if not used judiciously.” Here’s how a few changes will help you deliver more compelling content. After all, we do not change what we are not aware of.
Better Ways to Begin Sentences
Conjunction Misuse: A Childlike Voice The tendency to start sentences with “and” or “but” can reduce sophisticated discourse to the simplicity of a child’s recount of a day trip: “We visited a dairy farm. And we saw cows. And they milked one of the cows. And we saw an old-fashioned butter churn. And…”
This approach may seem endearing in informal settings, but it lacks professional polish.
Strategic Alternatives to Starting with And/But Here are five refined strategies to replace starting sentences with “and” or “but,” enhancing the flow and impact of your writing:
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