Word by Word: How Wording Kills Logic (and What to Do About It)

Research by Google highlights a worrying trend: people are losing the skill of logical thinking, giving way to a “stream of words” without structure or precision. The result? Vague requirements, subjective assessments (“fast”, “efficient”), and glossaries no one reads. Mistakes creep in even where there seems to be a clear template.

In this workshop, we'll:

• explore the theory of theme–rheme structuring (where is the subject, the predicate, the object?) as a tool for clear expression of ideas;

• go through linguistic traps: “accelerate”, “diversify”, “ensure” — words that sound business-like but often mean nothing;

• discuss cognitive biases that arise from imprecise terminology (and why a glossary doesn’t always save you);

• provide a checklist for reviewing requirements, and practise turning vague statements into precise wording.

The workshop will be useful for BAs and SAs, architects, and anyone who works with requirements and solutions through words and thinks through text.