CHICAGO, Dec. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The wiretapped conversations of Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois are evidence of corruption and bribery, but his use of profanity is an example of how coarse language can further damage a person's reputation, according to an image expert.

"It's no longer shocking or surprising to learn that a public figure uses the F-word, but when he is already in trouble, his language doesn't earn him any support or sympathy," says James V. O'Connor, a public relations professional and the author of CUSS CONTROL, The Complete Book on How to Curb Your Cursing.

"When you hear the F-word from someone in a position of authority-whether a politician, executive, teacher, or parent-you realize how abrasive you must sound when you use the word yourself."

O'Connor says the use of profanity has become so common that it no longer signifies a lack of intelligence and vocabulary, but there is a lingering perception of ignorance and poor character. The use of the F-word at the wrong time and place can be rude, crude and crass.

O'Connor points out that there are more than 900,000 words in the English language, and less than 30 of them are swear words.

"There are plenty of options. The governor could have said 'forget them' instead of using the F-word. The idea is the same, but 'forget' is less disrespectful and more civil."

O'Connor acknowledges that our language, like our culture, has become more informal, and most people either accept or tolerate profanity more than they used to. However, he feels the versatile but overused F-word is an example of our lazy language.

"Ironically, some of our greatest technological advances have been in communications -- email and cell phones, for example -- yet our verbal communications and working vocabulary have declined."

For more information, visit http://www.cusscontrol.com.

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JAMES V. O'CONNOR
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SOURCE Cuss Control Academy

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