Grammar... what big teeth you have. Many of us were so intimidated by grammar at school that we rarely think about it as adults. So you might be surprised to learn that our use of grammar can do more than help us communicate: it can help us reshape our lives.

Lawrence Weinstein’s interest in language began when he was 10, when he helped his immigrant father write business letters. Despite his academic credentials, he still keeps things simple.

A witty, enthusiastic guest, he’ll share humorous examples of how changes in your grammatical habits can make you a better person.

Weinstein explores:

• How your word choices can help you become more assertive and successful.

• Why passive phrases like “mistakes were made” strip away our sense of power.

• How text messaging and e-mail are changing the way we write (and why it matters).

• Why overusing the word “really” and the exclamation point reveal a lack of trust in others.

• How it affects your self-esteem if you put bad news after the word “but,” rather than before it.

• Why it’s a bad sign if someone never breaks the rules of grammar!

CREDENTIALS: Lawrence Weinstein is a renowned writing expert and professor of English at Bentley College. He previously taught at Harvard University and co-founded Harvard’s Writing Center. Weinstein is the author of GRAMMAR FOR THE SOUL: Using Language for Personal Growth (Quest Books, 2008).

AVAILABILITY: Boston; available nationwide and via telephone
CONTACT: Lawrence Weinstein; (781) 891-2918; lweinstein@bentley.edu