Word Of The Day - 'Diffident' versus 'Determination'
shared by Brian
Last night our grammarian chose 'diffident' as our 'word of the day'. Diffident means shy, timid, or showing modest reserve. What a wonderful 'word of the day'! It is a word that either expands our vocabulary, makes us recall its exact meaning, or challenges us to use it creatively during the meeting.
I would like to contrast using a word such as 'diffident' to using a word such as 'determination'. A word like 'determination' is too simple and common for a Toastmasters meeting, but unfortunately, I see words similar to this being chosen for the 'word of the day'. Simple and familiar words do not expand or vocabulary or challenge the majority of members at a Toastmasters meeting - they just lead to a lot of parliamentary claps.
It is important to try and enrich a Toastmasters meeting by choosing a challenging 'word of the day' that expands our vocabulary.
