Dr. Dave Enns
The Lexicon of a Zombie: A Guide to Speaking Like You're Alive
Dr. Dave Enns explores "linguistic zombies," the empty, automatic phrases like "I'm fine" or "it is what it is," that mute authentic conversation. He anchors his discussion with a personal experience: banning the word "good" from his home, which compelled him and his wife to use richer, more descriptive language. Drawing on communication theory, Enns explains that these hollow phrases are actually risk-averse shortcuts (e.g., uncertainty reduction) that act as low-resolution filters on reality. He proposes that the solution is to develop a "communicative conscience"—a conscious pause before speaking to actively choose real words over reflexive groans—arguing that this deliberate choice is the crucial difference between merely surviving conversations and truly living them.
David Enns (Ph.D,, Liberty University) is a communication researcher and international entertainer who bridges the gap between scholarly insight and human connection. His research on language, rhetoric, and terministic screens has earned him Top Paper Awards and publication in peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of Media and Religion. His dissertation examines how specialized language creates invisible barriers in public discourse.
As "Dave the Horn Guy," David has entertained millions through appearances on America's Got Talent (semifinalist), The Tonight Show, and major sporting events, partnering with organizations including Disney and Apple. He has performed at over 2,000 shows across 16 years, proving that authentic communication creates genuine connection.
His TEDx talk challenges audiences to move beyond conversational autopilot and embrace the transformative power of intentional, specific language in everyday interactions.