That being said, I need a publically acceptable word to do the same job as an expletive, but that doesn’t paint me as emotional/unstable or immature, and so that the message doesn’t lose its emphasis. Of course I could refrain from using such a word at all, but then message seems to lose some emphasis and does not convey the complete anger and frustration efficiently.

For example, let’s say that after two hours on the phone trying to get a small problem resolved, a human voice finally answers but doesn’t have the knowledge or resources to help. You are angry and frustrated. In reporting the problem to management, you want to convey this anger and frustration, and you also want it to be taken seriously. If you go off and use a bunch of expletives, the message may be dismissed as crazy or the source stupid. What word could be used to convey and emphasize the message without “putting off” the recipient? Also, such a word could be useful in professional settings when talking to your company or organizations when you want to convey such emotions or put an emphasis on the message. What word could you use?

Your further reflections provide excellent dimension to this discussion.

That’s a great example. Shocking and great. For me it encapsulates many of the issues raised by the generous and bright minds above – context, meaning, shock value, creativity, freedom of expression and moving audiences to action.

Thanks also for your reference and sharing of your thoughts about written publications.

You’re a good man, Andrew.

Best, Robin.

Thanks for sharing your example about the webinar. Do you ever feel like saying something in these situations? Will you continue to watch this person’s webinars knowing what you now know?

Best to you, Robin

Tony Campolo, a famous US evangelical preacher, routinely used such an opening to address his audience of Christian laypeople:

“I have three things I’d like to say today. First, while you were sleeping last night, 30,000 kids died of starvation or diseases related to malnutrition. Second, most of you don’t give a shit. What’s worse is that you’re more upset with the fact that I said ‘shit’ than the fact that 30,000 kids died last night.”

Imagine how powerful that was to people who were immediately offended, but then stopped to realise the implications of what he had said. Best use of a swearing I can think of!

@Robin,

In reference to your question regarding publications for whom I write, I’ve noticed that they don’t censor other writers who choose to swear. To me, it smacks of people trying to be ‘authentic’ or emotive when they are simply just struggling to communicate their message more strongly. It’s done for impact’s sake, but seems try-hard to me.

With regard to politicians swearing, I wrote this blog post about K-Rudd’s deliberate dropping of the S-bomb a little while back – may be of interest to those of you following that line of discussion:

http://www.marketingmag.com.au/blogs/view/don-t-use-that-tone-of-voice-with-me-1116

Thanks again for providing a great platform for a contentious discussion, Robin. You’re creating a real ‘go to’ resource here for what the thought leaders’ views are on many important issues.

I posted my thoughts about it today.

Professors, OK, —- H.S., Middleschool, not so acceptable. Kids have yet to determine their boundaries AND school before college is not opt-in. Therefore, when something isn’t option, I believe the formality I am speaking of is very important. (one of the few places)

Barack O’ or any other politician, no not a good idea. Not because it wouldn’t have made the speeches more impactful, but because the speeches are more about creating an emotion about the speaker themselves. The message AND the speaker are being “sold”. (Think about the hit his approval rating would take if he was privately heard swearing, we just don’t want our heroes swearing) As a public speaker, the message is usually far more important then the messenger. Because of this, public speakers can take greater risks. In many cases the audience can separate the person from the message. The message is far more important than messenger.

Great stuff Robin, have really enjoyed the conversation.

If you were are speaker who preferred not to swear, and where invited to speak in front of an audience where swearing was culturally acceptable – the norm even, how would you approach it?

Thanks for being here.

Best to you, Robin

What’s your opinion about high profile authors/bloggers who video-blog and ‘s’ and ‘f’ in their postings? They seem to sit mid way between comedy and professional speaker.

Best to you,

Robin

What’s your view about teachers in the classroom? Should they build bridges of engagement and connection with adolescent learners by using less formal language? Or politicians, community leaders?

In your opinion, would Barack Obama’s speeches have been more impactful if he had “drop the bombs, bust out the “Oh Sh*ts” and let it fly.”?

Wonderful to have your participation, Keenan. Thank you.

Best, Robin

There’s a real richness of views and opinions forming here and I’m learning a lot.

It’s curious that the language people use in these comments is free from so called swear words and denigration – for which I personally am relieved. (Note: I’ve not ‘censored’ any comments here.) There is strong opinion and creative expression without such things.

Best to you, Robin

Best, Robin

“We have so many double-standards in our society. Art, at least, tries to bridge the gaps.” Yes, and thank goodness for that.

And back to our old friend ‘context’…and delivery. So true.

The artist in me wants the freedom to creatively express myself from the broadest possible palette;

The parent in me wants the innocence of children to be gently unfolded into this colourful world where freedom is creatively expressed, rather than shocked into it without restraint.

Where the two meet is where I stand now.

Your contribution is thoroughly appreciated, Luke.

Best, Robin