Barb Alexander

While living in England, I learned how important speech is in that society. Accents and usage across the pond scream a person's origin and educational level. I read somewhere the very accurate statement that if you are English and "speak one way, you will be running the country. If you speak another way, you will be cleaning it."

In the U.S., our smarts and social standing are not so evident when we open our mouths. You may catch anyone using language incorrectly; it isn't necessarily indicative of someone who has never seen the SAT. One of our problems seems to be the politically correct bandwagon of late, crowded with those who decry legitimate language rules of being classist, racist, sexist, ageist, and so on (and doesn't it go on and on!).

The truth is, there is a right way and a wrong way to speak. Anyone can sound better -- start here:

1. Don't end a sentence with "at." If you want others to think you are less-than-sharp, go ahead and ask where someone is "at"!

2. Speaking of asking, make sure you are "asking" and not "axing." This basically screams "I don't know no better."

3. And that example above is a double-negative ("I don't know no better.")--another thing to avoid at all costs! The negatives cancel each other out. So that sentence really reads "I do know better." Similarly, "I don't have nothing to do" means "I do have something to do." These particular examples in their correct versions read "I don't know any better" and "I don't have anything to do."

4. Regionalisms for the plural of "you" must go -- that means "yous guys" and "y'all."

5. Remember that the building with all the books is a library, not a "lie-berry." The month is February, not "Feb-yoo-ary." That pretty decoration on your wall is a picture, not a "pitcher." You drink espresso, not "expresso."

6. "Alls you have to do" is change this to "All you have to do."

7. "A whole 'nother thing" is either "another thing" or "a completely different thing."

8. It's "with you," not "wit choo."

9. Do I even have to mention "ain't"?

Others are more likely to take you seriously and respect you (especially in a work setting) if you give your speech a high-shine. Start polishing with the above tips and you're on your way.