Posted by Jim Lee (10/6/09 at 2:15 p.m.)
I know it’s a cliche, but it’s true; people judge you by the way you speak. In addition to being the conversational equivalent of fingernails on a chalkboard, those who are grammatically tone deaf handicap themselves when speaking with potential clients. You go to considerable effort and expense to project professionalism in all you do, so why would you allow annoying speech patterns, grammatical errors, and trendy corporate phrases make the wrong impression?
For example, it is maddening to listen to people talk in questions? I don’t know why people do this? All I know is it drives people crazy?
Speaking of talking in questions, do I think a conversation that consists of me interviewing myself is annoying? Yes. Do I wish it would stop? Of course. Could there possibly be anything worse? I’m not, like, sure, but I’m willing to, like, go out on a limb, and, like, suggest there is at least one thing. Like, stop it!
If you think you can stand it, let’s move on to grammatical errors. Probably the most prevalent error these days is the curious inability of people to properly use “me,” “myself,” and “I.” It’s incorrect to say, “Join Charlie and I” or “Join Charlie and myself.” You hereby have my permission to use the word “me.” I know you can do it. Repeat after me, “Join Charlie and me.” There now, that wasn’t so bad. But please be careful with your new-found affection for the word “me.” How many times have you heard, “Me and him are going to the ball game tonight”? Me and him? Yikes!
Another interesting grammatical error is the habit of using a singular verb when a plural verb is required. For example, none of us were taught to say, “Timely hitting and a strong pitching staff is why the Phillies won the 2008 World Series.” However, that’s just the kind of thing I read and hear everywhere.
You should also avoid trendy corporate-speak. If I hear “going forward” one more time I might lose my composure. Or, please don’t ask “one quick question.” There’s no such thing, and you have no intention of asking one. You want the person answering your question to take as much time as is required to provide an adequate answer, and you don’t care how long it takes.
Finally, cursing is never acceptable. There is always a more appropriate way to emphasize whatever point it is you’re trying to make.
How you speak is often the first impression you make with potential customers, so it’s important to not sound like a teen ager or an MTV VJ. Speak like a grown-up. Use adult diction and adult words instead of trendy words or trendy voice inflections. Always use proper grammar – go to the trouble to learn it and practice it. You can do this without sounding uppity or like an elitist, simply use proper grammar, diction, and words.
This is not an exhaustive list of verbal offenses, nor is it meant to be. Instead, it’s meant to point out the importance of using proper language skills. You should be conscience of the fact that what you say, and how you say it, will always be important as you strive for success.