I took part in a local radio debate a few hours ago. I haven’t listened to it on playback as I’m dreading hearing how awful I was. I know I made at least one mistake, and if I’m aware of one it’s a sure thing that there will have been a few more.
That’s the thing with spoken grammar, especially when it’s your business to get it right. Once the words are out of your mouth, there’s no going back. No delete button. No cut facility. The mistake is out there for everyone to hear and comment on. And with playback, it can be heard again and again. And again.
The mistake I’m aware of – and I can’t remember what I was talking about at the time – was saying ‘was’ when the subject was plural. I’m sure when I listen on playback I’ll be able to smack my forehead with frustration and self-loathing when the word ‘was’ word jumps out as clear as a … well, a grammatical mistake in a debate about the importance of grammar.
I’m off now to listen and then I will indulge in some self-flagellation.
This is drawing on my studies at University, some years ago, but I seem to recall that participants were more inclined to trust experts who made an occasional mistake than those who were almost super human. Just a thought.
That’s a comforting thought, Gillian. Thank you!