I know you wouldn't make such a gross error, but it set my teeth on edge as I heard yet again a pundit from a major television network describe a place as "very, very unique."

What is going on that we Americans feel compelled to modify and glorify every noun or verb, as though the words themselves were not sufficient to express a thought accurately? The English language is, after all, a rich, yeasty, varied language with more than enough words to convey even a complex idea. And as a living language it is in a constant state of growth and change.

Fine. But why must so much of the change be downright wrong? The use of "very (very, very, very!) unique" is a common example of wrongness--so common, in fact, that we rarely even hear the word without a modifier. Perhaps it demonstrates our feelings of being insufficient--of requiring something extra to feel as though we're expressive English speakers. How distressing.

You see, the word "unique" means that whatever it is that is unique is unlike anything else in the universe. Therefore, it cannot be modified at all-not by any other word in English or any other language--not even French, although "tres unique" may sound quite sophisticated and upper class to some people. (That pesky TV again.)

If the mountain climate, for example, is unique it cannot be very unique, somewhat unique, extremely unique or anything-else unique. As long as there is no other climate in the world exactly like the climate on that mountain it is unique. Period.

It can be rather unusual, somewhat unusual or extremely unusual or anything-else unusual.

If, as a public speaker, you feel the need to emphasize the word unique, you can do it with the pacing of your sentence and with your breath. Simply make a teeny break before the word, and again after the word.

Let the timbre of your voice carry the strength of the word by thinking how special that word is. Sounds loopy, doesn't it? The mind, however, is your primary guide for carrying your intention to the audience by means of the sound of your voice. Thinking is wunnerful! It works.

Carole McMichaels, Author of Fearless Public Speaking: How To Get Rid of Your Stage Fright and Prepare and Deliver a Winning Presentation." A lifetime as a performing musician and composer, coupled with over 30 years as a therapist/coach and public speaker has given me a varied and comprehensive background for working effectively with clients on the technical, structural and emotional aspects of public speaking. And besides that, it's fun. http://www.getridofpublicspeakingfears.com