‘Would-chopping’ would help us all

‘Would-chopping’ would help us all

I recommend would-chopping as a healthy exercise for many public speakers. Eliminating would or want when expressing gratitude improves conciseness, precision and clarity.

In this election year we have already heard politicians say, “I would like to thank all of you for supporting my candidacy.” When does she or he intend to do this? Why not do it now? Why the delay?

Athletes are prone to say, “I would like to thank my parents for their part in helping me achieve this victory.” When receiving Oscars and other awards, actors say, “I would like to thank the director, the screen writer and the studio janitor.”

A sincere, crisp “Thank you” does the job nicely.

Glenn F. Arnold

Wheaton