Is there anything more annoying than listening to someone use non-words in their speech? Well, there probably is, but this speech habit is a real pet peeve of mine. Saleshq.com provides a great article that calls out different sloppy speech habits. The article focuses on interview etiquette, but these patterns are applicable to all sales situations.
One of the suggestions:
3. Grammatical Errors:
The interviewer may question your education when you use incorrect grammar or slang. Expressions such as “ain’t” “she don’t,” “me and my friend” and “so I goes to him” aren’t appropriate. Be sure you speak in complete sentences and that tenses agree. The interview is not the venue for regional expressions or informality.
Interviews and sales calls require proper speech. I think these types of errors occur in interviews because candidates either attempt to be too casual or they go to the other extreme and attempt to use the Queen’s English. Salespeople often do the same thing during important sales calls.
Quick tip: “irregardless” is not grammatically correct (I hear it frequently used).
Lastly, there is this:
5. Speed Talking:
While everybody is a bit anxious during an interview, you don’t want your information to fly by like a speeding bullet. A rapid speaking rate is difficult to follow, and speed talkers are seen as nervous. Slow down your racing heart by doing some breathing exercises before the interview. To avoid rushing, listen to the question, and then count two beats in your head before answering. When you finish a sentence, count two beats again before continuing. Don’t be afraid of silence. Pausing is an effective communication technique. The interviewer needs a few seconds to process what you just said anyway.
I think I’ve mentioned this before, but we once interviewed a sales manager candidate who spoke like an auctioneer. Halfway through the interview he said, “I know I speak fast, but it is slow in my head.”
We pursued and placed a different candidate.