Below are the 3 most common language errors presenters make. 

If you’re going to step up on the platform and stand in front of a microphone, you owe it to your audience (and to yourself) to use language properly.
 

Mistake #1. Improper use of “I” where “me” would be correct.

Example:  “The real estate agent asked John and I what we thought about the house.”

The correct sentence would be, “The real estate agent asked John and me what we thought about the house.” 

Here’s an easy trick to determine if it should be “I” or “me”.  Simply imagine that you are the only one in this home-viewing scenario and that the real estate agent was speaking only to you.

Would you actually say, “The real estate agent asked I…”?  

I don’t think so.

Case closed.

Mistake #2. Improper use of the verb when a plural subject leads the sentence.

Examples: “There’s many samples…” “There’s lots of reasons…” “There’s many features and benefits…”

Uh, no.

There are many samples….

There are lots of reasons….

There are many features and benefits….

Mistake #3. Using an adjective when you should use an adverb.

Example: “He’s a real nice guy.” “He hit that ball real good.”

It should be, “He’s a really nice guy” and, “He hit that ball really well.”

Some presenters imagine that they’ll create rapport with their audience if they tone down their language skills. I disagree. If there’s anyone in your audience who knows proper English, you will do the opposite of building rapport: you’ll lose credibility.

Language skills are like manners. If you were raised to recognize and appreciate them, you are keenly aware when they’re missing.

And for you as a presenter, improper use of your #1 tool can not only mean the loss of your credibility; in certain instances, it can mean the loss of a future client.