Ahhh the Weasel Word

What is a weasel word?

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as: A word used in order to evade or retreat from a direct or forthright statement or position

Some examples of weasel words I see regularly:

• Supports
• Appears
• Most
• Almost all
• Virtually
• May
• Possibly

Somewhat of a “third rail” for analysts, I have found that many instructors we hire side-step the issue of weasel words all together due to (in my opinion) the political ramifications and sensitivity of there use. The problem is that because analysis is by definition not fact, using weasel words are almost always required for analytical products (see how I used almost there?) At the same time, consumers of analysis tend to dislike weasel words because perfect information is preferable to conjecture when making tough decisions.

"Context"... Like an Analyst?

I've been trying to think of a synonym for "Context" that still follows the nifty "Like an Analyst" theme. Using "Context" Like an Analyst simply doesn't make sense. Hmmm.... if you have any ideas, let me know. I think I need a verb.

Anyways, what does "context" mean? My favorite definition comes from the Merriam-Webster's dictionary:

Context: "The interrelated conditions in which something exists or occurs"

"Context" within the context (lol) of analysis can be summed up with the classic, yet to-vague-to-be-helpful saying: "see beyond the tree and into the forest." That is, understanding the broader strategic implications more localized analyses/data may influence or be influenced by. Context is particularly important for synthesizing the "why" when conducting analysis.

“Speak" like an Analyst - Part 2: Presenting

Our analyst training program splits the skill “Speak" like an Analysis (SLA) into two themes: Collaboration and Presentation

          1) Verbally collaborating with other analysts to produce products

          2) Presenting finished products to customers

This specific post focuses on Presentation:

Some analysts just have that natural charm and infectious enthusiasm that make them natural presenters. Fortunately for the rest of us, good presentations and oral briefings are easier to learn from an instructor than writing. In the finest tradition of working at a university, I’m much better at critiquing presentations given by student than giving one myself.

We first cover the basics: Watch your “ums,” plant your feet on the ground if you have a tendency to fidget, and whatever you do, don’t making something up - it’s likely to bite you in the bum at some point. If the audience asks a question you don't know the answer to, say something along the lines of "That is a great question, but I don't know the answer. I will definitely get back to you on that."

“Speak" like an Analyst - Part 1: Collaboration

Our analyst training program splits the skill “Speak" like an Analysis (SLA) into two themes: Collaboration and Presentation

       1) Verbally collaborating with other analysts to produce products

       2) Presenting finished products to customers

This specific post focuses on Collaboration:

Managers love the word "Collaboration." It is considered vitally important by much of the workforce, yet is hard to define. Therefore, saying one will increase collaboration is a safe promise any manager or analyst can make with little accountability. For example, if a manager were to promise they would expand their production capacity by 50% with additional funding, they are on the hook to meet that goal. If the manager were to promise they would increase collaboration by 50%, how does one argue they didn’t? 

"Write" Like an Analyst

As a disclaimer: I fully understand the irony of me talking about "Write" like an Analyst (WLA). This blog is an almost perfect example of what not to do - fluffy, tangents, opinions, personal pronouns, passive sentence, etc.

Our analyst training program focuses on science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) students. As such, writing tends to not be an integral part of students' formal university education. It's a real shame since so many (if not most) technical jobs have a significant writing component. Analysts in particular tend to spend a lot of time writing briefs and reports.

WLA can be challenging, even for students in liberal arts majors with lots of writing experience, because it is very different style from what students are introduced to in English 101. When teaching WLA, we stress: Concise, Clear, and Professional.