Authentic's The Word in 2023

According to Merriam-Webster, America's oldest dictionary, "authentic" is the top word of 2023. 

 

The dictionary publisher said it saw a "substantial increase" in online searches for it this year. The interest was "driven by stories and conversations about AI [artificial intelligence], celebrity culture, identity, and social media". 

 

They didn't mention it but the word is important to us who do public speaking. It's really important to be authentic when we speak. After all, authenticity is what allows your audience to connect with you during your speech. 

 

From "The Diamond in Your Speech", Ahmad Fakhri & Victor Ong, 2022, page 102:

 

"...your speech is never about you. If it is, that will be the quickest way to lose an audience.

 

Focus on your audience, meaning, you are supposed to deliver an audience-centric message with your listeners anchored firmly in the heart of that message.

It is about showing your listeners your true self through your voice and through your words.

Know that when you are authentic, it means you are willing to share the real you with us – the good and the bad – and that is when you stand out.

That is what sets you apart from the rest of the world. And that makes us interested in you, flaws and all.

 

Be genuine. Be heartfelt. Be true to yourself. That is what being authentic is. After all, authentic speakers are in the moment".

 

And, brands, social media influencers and celebrities also popularised the word, including Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), who has said people should be more "authentic" on social media.