CONVERSATION 2. Specify the Specifics Use very specific numbers in your conversations such as “The 1 store will open at 9:03am” or “profits are up $32,253.48.” 3. Combine Cliches Put a spin on old cliches by tweaking or combining them, like “I’m no brain scientist” or “It’s not rocket surgery.” 4. Steal (phrases) from Kids 2 If you have kids, start using some of their phrases in your work. 5. Ask and Share Details When a coworker is telling a story, ask for details to help paint the picture. If your cube mate went skiing, ask what the snow looked like. If you’re recapping how your sales pitch went, mention how the room looked, sounded, and smelled. 1 Or you can use very broad numbers: “I worked 100 hours this week, give or take 60.” 2 This is where Tina Fey got the phrase “I want to go to there” on the show 30 Rock – it was something her daughter said. 17