The Verbal Advantage

In Verbal Advantage (New York: Random House, 2000), Charles Elster cites research demonstrating the "close relationship between a large, precise knowledge of words and achievement in life" and draws these conclusions:

"A low vocabulary is a serious handicap. Ambitious and energetic persons can push ahead in their jobs just so far, but then they reach a plateau caused by low vocabulary....  And while youthful zest and high aptitudes can enable us to forge ahead despite low vocabulary, when we become mature the world expects us to know something and we are judged on knowledge rather than our possibilities....

"Building a powerful vocabulary can help you advance in your career, because as you improve your skill with language you will become a better speaker, a better writer, a better reader, and a better listener.  And, if you are all those things, you probably will be a more successful person."

Contributed by Richard Barnes, DPT

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