"Connect with people, and you have the sale. Connect with the business issue only, and forget it." I wrote something like that in my book, and it still rings true. However, "connecting" doesn't mean using slang and words and phrases that annoy your sales prospects and clients.
I share with you here the latest from the Marist Poll, which tracks trends in public opinion, and its list of the most annoying words. If you haven't already, please drop these from your lexicon:
According to a recent Marist Poll, "whatever" remains the most annoying word or phrase in conversation today. Thirty-nine percent of Americans said they despise the often-tossed-about term above all others. The uber-filler "like" was deemed the most irritating by 28 percent of the population. "You know what I mean" was considered the biggest verbal gaffe by 15 percent. "To tell you the truth" grated the most on 10 percent, while "actually" received the dubious distinction from 5 percent.
