This post is dedicated to Jo Usry, chief executive officer of the Jackson Association of REALTORS®, who consults with every presenter she hires on the correct pronunciation of this word. Jo does not want a speaker on stage at one of her meetings mispronouncing this key word to an audience full of actual REALTORS®. Read more
During a recent lunch with a couple of speaking colleagues, I asked them about funny words and expressions they hear mispronounced. One of my friends admitted she had called “windshield wipers” something else for many years. She had been calling them “windshield swipers” until someone pulled her aside and politely pointed out the error of her ways. Read more
One of my speaking colleagues and I were having lunch with a new friend yesterday, and my new friend mentioned seeing the blog on “for all intents and purposes.” The conversation quickly turned to other mispronounced expressions, and we had quite a list going. This week’s word is perhaps one of my favorites because I had forgotten about it. It’s when people say “flustrated” instead of “frustrated.” Read more
Last week I shared a word I found out I had been saying incorrectly for more than four decades:
Sherbet
After telling my “sher-bert” story, I asked you to chime in with similar examples. You did not disappoint! We’ve had so much fun these past few days sharing some hilarious stories and examples, and I appreciate all of your input.
For fun, I’m sharing a few of the most common mispronounced terms according to the blog’s readership. See if you can relate.
One reader shared she recently had a coworker take her aside and say, “You know, it’s ‘for all intents and purposes,’ not ‘for all intensive purposes.’”
NO: for all intensive purposes
YES: for all intents and purposes
Another reader said he still calls his bedroom furniture “chester drawers,” even though he knows better now.
NO: chester drawers
YES: chest of drawers
Last Friday I spoke at a statewide association of REALTORS® leadership retreat. They were the first to speak up and give examples of how many people mispronounce their job title. It’s two syllables, not three.
NO: re-la-tor
YES: REAL-TOR
And who can forget Joey Tribbiani’s classic mispronunciation of “supposably” on Friends.
NO: supposably
YES: supposedly
Let’s keep this thread going. I’m sure you have other relatable examples you can share—at least, supposedly.
To customize a keynote or professional development session that will have your audience laughing and learning, contact Mandi Stanley.
Certified Speaking Professional Mandi Stanley works with business leaders who want to boost their professional image by becoming better speakers and writers through interactive high-content keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, technical writing seminars, and fun proofreading classes.
You might also like:
How Do You Handle Virtual Meeting Whiners?
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Wacky Word of the Week: Purge this Particular Word
To customize a keynote or professional development session that will have your audience laughing and learning, contact Mandi Stanley.
Certified Speaking Professional Mandi Stanley works with business leaders who want to boost their professional image by becoming better speakers and writers through interactive high-content keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, technical writing seminars, and fun proofreading classes.
You might also like:
How Do You Handle Virtual Meeting Whiners?
Use this App to Capture Fresh Presentation Ideas
Wacky Word of the Week: Purge this Particular Word
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