Say it Right
No matter how eloquent your presentation is or how slick your materials are, if there are lapses in grammar or misuse of words, it may affect the impression you leave on your prospect. Following are some commonly misused words that catch us all. Check them out and make your presentation as error-free as possible.
Adverse vs. Averse
Adverse means hostile. Averse describes a reluctance to do something. So, be sure to say, "You seem averse to my presentation." If you said Adverse, you might offend the prospect.
Anxious vs. Eager
Anxious implies fear while Eager implies excitement. So, don't leave the message, "Tell Mr. Jones I am anxious to speak with him," unless you're scared to talk to him and you want him to know that!
Beside vs. Besides
Beside means next to; Besides means in addition to. So, be sure and say, "Besides the increased approvals, you'll also have the benefit of 24-hour customer service."
Complement vs. Compliment
When something Complements something else it completes it or makes it better. When you compliment someone, that's an expression of praise. So, you can compliment the merchant on her choice of services and let her know how they will complement her existing POS system.
Continual vs. Continuous
Continual means repeated while Continuous means unbroken. Try, "With your current check guarantee program you are experiencing continual lapses in service but with our program you will get continuous error-free service."
Words and Phrases to Avoid
Irregardless
This is a non-word. Don't use it.
In Regards To
You can say, "In regard to our meeting," or "As regards our meeting," or even, "Regarding our meeting." Just don't say, "In regards to our meeting."
Terms
The following are definitions of banking terms you may hear everyday yet don't have a thorough grasp of their meaning.
Bank Holding Company -A company that owns or controls one or more banks. Under the regulation and supervision of The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve.
Correspondent Bank -A bank that accepts deposits of and performs banking services for other depository institutions.
Federal Reserve System -The central bank of the US. Consists of a seven-member Board of Governors in Washington, DC, and 12 regional Reserve Banks and depository institutions that are subject to reserve requirements.
Financial Institution -An institution that uses its funds to purchase financial assets as opposed to tangible property. (Examples: Commercial Banks, Savings and Loans, Mutual Savings Banks, Credit Unions)
Commercial Banks - owned by stockholders and operated for profit. Allowed to engage in more varied lending activities and to offer more financial services than other depository institutions are.
Savings and Loan Associations -accept deposits from individuals and invest their funds into residential mortgage loans. Most are owned by the depositors who receive shares in the association.
Keeping your vocabulary varied and precise will engender trust and respect from business associates and prospects.
