Speech Patterns

We are all aware of the fact that in this United States as we go East to West and North to South, there are different speech patterns. And of course we can go North of the border, "Aye".

I am asked from time to time where I am from. When I say, "Minnesota", the quick response is, "Of course, I can hear the accent!"

When we moved to Florida, one of the things I thought I was going to be relieved of hearing the phrase, "You guys." I strongly dislike that phrase. Just as much as I dislike, "You people." I was unable to run away from, 'you guys' or 'you people.'

Any phrase or word can be over used. Anyone who has spent a lot of time with me or worked with me would probably be able to think about it and recall seeing me wear a rubber-band around my wrist from time to time. It is a simple but effective way to correct bothersome speech patterns. Each time I use the word or phrase that is problematic, I just pull that rubber-band and let it snap my wrist. First of all, I am amazed at how often I say the word or phrase. It takes several days, but I can usually brake the poor or irritating speech pattern.

I have an acquaintance that prides herself in learning new words to make herself sound 'more educated'. Then she way OVER USES them, so it is pretty obvious that she is trying to impress. It is great to consciously continue to learn, but do not over use it. (It is counter productive)

Those of us in sales, and for life in general need to be forever cognisant of our speech patterns.

We all need to listen much more than we speak. We need to ask questions rather than inform others about ourself.

I was speaking with a business associate the other day and it SEEMED like every other word was 'you know'. It was all I could hear! So I looked at the second hand on my watch and made a mark on a piece of paper each time he said, "you know" IN 60 SECONDS, he said, "you know" 14 times! That is every 4.28 seconds!

GIVE THAT MAN A RUBBER-BAND

Am I willing to ask someone close to me to help me by telling me what corrections I need in my speech patterns?




I had better be, I have a feeling that those close to me will read this and be letting me know.

Until Then

Kate