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

If this is to be a true Bio, it must be in first person singular, so here I am, giving you all my "Singular I's". My life has been long, unconventional, exciting and filled with music, my first love and my first career.

Were it not for an absence of current rules and regulations, I would not be here at all. You see, my father was my mother's cello teacher--a horrible no-no in today's school world. They were married in the Interlachen Music Camp where my father taught trumpet and conducting.

As a child I gave many recitals, usually the first half on piano, the last half on violin. I loved it, but would have preferred (though I didn't know it at the time) music written by live people rather than by dead white men. Still my preference.

A favorite past-time of my four-year's-younger brother and me was to sing rounds a half-step apart. Great ear training for the contemporary music in which I later specialized! Playing hours of orchestral and chamber music--and kick-the-can, swimming, reading and traveling rounded out my childhood activities. A happy childhood!

As an adult I migrated to New York City where my professional life took different turns. I stopped the violin in favor of accompanying instrumental and vocal recitals. Then, because of injuries, I did a stint as a Broadway dancer--and finally ended up as a classical singer. Working with Leonard Bernstein for his time as conductor of the New York Philharmonic was an exhilarating experience.

At the time, 12-tone music was the be-all and end-all of the New York music scene; singers who could sing these beasts were few and far between. However, because I had perfect pitch and a strong instrumental background, I had a fertile field for my interests and abilities.

For variety I sang on cruise ships, did musical comedy, an occasional substitute job as organist in some of the large churches (a total thrill!) Did a bit of folk dancing on Puerto Rican TV, some pretty humorous modeling jobs, and set up the first audio language program in Tehran, Iran.

I have a lovely daughter, compassionate and creative.

For the last thirty years I've been a hypnotherapist, working with individuals and presenting workshops on a variety of topics. My passion is teaching!

Now I specialize in helping performers and public speakers prepare their presentations; using Energy Psychology, we permanently jettison their stage fright. Very interesting and gratifying work!

And I write.