Do You Sound As Good As You Look?

You've invested $400 for a new suit; $130 for a new pair of shoes; $25.00 for a hair trim, and now you're ready to deliver the interview performance of your life, right?

But wait, you start the interview by telling the hiring manager how "flustrated" you are in finding her office. Then you tell her that you finally "figgered" it out. And lo and behold, you start talking about the big "pitcher." Whoa! Does this sound familiar? Has someone ever corrected your pronunciation of a word or words? Do your mispronunciations get you ruled out before you even get started? I will always remember the day when one of the judges at a speaking competition pulled me aside and said "Ms. Sucher, irregardless is not a word, so don't use it, OK?" I wanted to fall through the floor; I was so embarrassed (and so disqualified). I can assure you I've not said that word in about 15 years...even though it does appear in the dictionary.

The finest attire in the world will not outperform poor speaking abilities. The words you choose can (and will) make or break your candidacy for a position, be it entry-level, senior-level, or someplace in-between. In short, sound as good as you look! Don't invent words and do pronounce words correctly.

Mispronunciations can be avoided by making a list of words that are difficult for you to say. Practice saying them correctly. Or, look up words in the dictionary, online or hard copy, to determine correct pronunciations. Do you sound as good as you look?

Comments

[Rowan Manahan]

Maybe someone should tell the leader of the free world that it's pronounced "NEW-CLEE-ARE"

[Bonnie]

The point you're making is valid for people who are lazy or neglectful about using proper English and pronunciation; your post is an excellent reminder to them to polish their speaking skills.

But I hope others don't get disheartened by misinterpreting your "sound as good as you look" advice. People for whom English is not their native language, for instance, may think they'll have limited opportunities because of an accent. This may (unfortunately) be true with some employers, but not all. And I was thrilled when a friend of mine who has a terrible stutter was hired, and then promoted. The company obviously valued his other skills more highly than his speaking ability (or lack thereof).

I realize that's not the point you were making... just wanted to clarify for some readers who may have read more into your post than they should have.

Excellent blog, by the way! :-)

[Dawn Turner]

I couldn't agree more. I'm a native New Englander where people people drive cahs that they pahk in the yahd. New Englanders like to hang pichas on the wall too. Great posting and good advice!