By Michael Fryzel
Whenever I have had the opportunity to speak before a group or have drafted an opinion piece, I have always tried not to use what some call overused words and phrases.
Those of you who attend seminars and conferences or read newspapers and magazines have probably heard or seen the most often used and repeated words and phrases many times over. I have made a list for myself so that when I speak or write I try to do my best to avoid them.
Having said that, I will make an attempt to think outside of the box and write an article that will contain only fresh new words and phrases. To be honest, I undertake this task with some trepidation, not knowing if I will be successful but hoping that at the end of the day it will be a good read.
When I told an associate I was going to make the effort he asked why. I said that’s a great question. I explained that I have been writing stories, speeches and articles since I was a child and that if I drilled down I could reach into my vault of words and write something that is cutting edge. He said with all due respect, you write well but you’re not Grisham, Patterson or Baldacci.
Taken Aback
Literally, I was taken aback by what he said and irregardless of his comments decided I was going forward with the challenge. Anyway, his negativity was par for the course. I told him thanks and if I needed his thoughts again I would circle back and touch base.
Doing a fresh word piece has been on my radar for some time, but since I had a lot on my plate I could never get started. Now that I have my ducks in a row I am ready to bite the bullet and make hay. I have gone to one of my favorite writing places with pen and paper and am literally fired up.
As I think about what to write I must admit it is one of those days and am experiencing difficulty as to what to put on paper. I thought once I began this project I would hit the ground running and the words would flow like a river. Unfortunately, neither of those has occurred.
Perhaps I should write a shout out to a thoughtful leader who has been in the news and compliment their efforts and achievements. Or maybe talk about the soon to be released NCUA budget and the need for it to be carefully reviewed to find the devil in the details. Having been through both state and federal budget preparations I could provide some added value in the analysis by cutting to the chase and suggesting where to look.
Doing so, however, might upset the board members and some staff members who I occasionally may speak to. After all, it is a two-sided coin and like the elephant in the room they may not forget my criticism and wait for payback day.
Too Great a Challenge?
So, maybe the challenge was too great and nothing could be written that does not include the tried, true and tired words and phrases. But I thought by trying I could get a bang for the buck and get people to say it’s all good.
I guess I’ll go back to the drawing board and start over. They say everything happens for a reason and maybe it does because I am going on vacation and in case anyone cares to comment on what I have written, don’t bother. I will have limited access to email. LOL
Michael Fryzel is the former chairman of NCUA who is now in private practice in Chicago.