You want your podcast listeners to understand what you’re saying, to think you’re bright and competent.
Chances are, more of your podcast listeners than you even realize care a great deal about proper grammar. Your podcast represents you, and how you speak. But your weak word choice might be raising eyebrows and red flags. With the incorrect word choice, people might not actually know what you’re trying to say.
Grammar rules were created to make communication clear. Communication is the heart of podcasting. When you use words incorrectly, you can sound sloppy, imprecise, and unprofessional.
6 words you think you’re using correctly in your podcast but you may not be…
Less/Fewer
Contrary to popular belief, these two words are NOT interchangeable. Here’s the usage trick to keep in mind: if you can count the number of whatever it is you’re referencing, use the word “fewer.” If you can’t, use “less.” Remember, this rule is important enough that the Game of Thrones TV show had two characters correct the misuse of the word “less.” Three times.
You may also remember in 2004 Clear Channel’s “Less is More” initiative, where the company began cutting commercial times from one minute to 30 seconds. They branded all their stations on-air with the slogan. Which, of course, is grammatically incorrect. But continued the misuse of the word “less” on a large scale across the country. I guess “fewer is more” doesn’t have that ring to it.
Literally/Figuratively
Is what you’re referring to really happening or going to happen? Then, and only then, would you use the word “literally.”
If you choose the word “literally” to describe metaphorical outcomes or to emphasize a present situation beyond what it actually is, you’re potentially coming off as unnecessarily dramatic.
Well, that, or like you don’t know what the word “literally” means.
Imply/Infer
While both words deal with communicating and processing information, “imply” and “infer” have different meanings.
When you imply, you’re the speaker and the one providing information and meaning.
Example – I didn’t mean to imply that there was anything wrong with the way you dress.
When you infer, you’re the listener. You’re the one receiving information and taking a certain meaning from that information or situation.
Example – Since you did not show up for the first day of work, we will infer that you are not serious about the job.
Now’s a good time to take another listen to your latest podcast episode and see how you are using your words. Do you have room to improve? Did you get your point across using the words you chose in that episode? Did you notice that you had to clarify your point more than one time to make sure your listeners understand you?
As with anything you create, taking the time to speak grammatically correct as possible saves you time, and saves your listener time in understanding what points you are trying to convey.
Let’s talk about what podcasting can do for your business in the next 12-months. Whether you’re B2C or B2B, we can create a content marketing strategy that will work for you.
Connect with me if you would like to talk more about this.
My calendar is available on my Circle270Media Podcast Consultants business website at circle270media.com
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Recorded in conjunction with Channel 511, in the Brewery District, downtown Columbus, OH.
Brett Johnson is the owner and lead consultant at Circle270Media Podcast Consultants. With over 35+ years of experience in Marketing, Content Creation, Audio Production/Recording and Broadcasting, the podcast consultants at Circle270Media strategically bring these strengths together for their business Podcast clients.
Email us at podcasts@circle270media.com to set up time to talk more about your new or established business podcast.