The Weltchek Weekly

Seth Godin, who says wise things in his daily blog, made me wince after my last note, the one about keeping impact-the-verb to descriptions of wisdom teeth.

In writing about the myths of getting on “a short list,” he said (the italics are mine):

“It’s easy to seduce yourself into thinking it’s a straight up meritocracy. The funniest comedians, the most gifted graphic designers, the most impactful speakers—these folks are chosen for the short list because they deserve it. Except that’s not correct. …”

I can’t think of any use—good or bad—for the word impactful.

As for that short list, we have many great options to describe the speakers: charismatic, compelling, effective, energetic, gifted, powerful, talented—even A-list would work.