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ARE YOU UNINTENTIONALLY IRRITATING?

Most people would immediately respond "NO" but the truth is, you probably are. In one way or another. Have you gone away for the day and not checked your email? Been in meetings and turned off your cell phone? Forgotten to take care of what seemed to be a small detail to you but ended up being a big deal to your client?

All of these are all irritating but correctable. There are also some insideous conversational idiosyncrasies that can drive other people nuts which make them tune you out or turn off. Such as a whiny tone of voice

For younger people the word "LIKE" seems to be a problem. "And I was like, and he was like, OMG!" Like is an adjective. Unless you are attempting to compare one thing to something else, please refrain from using it. It can express pleasure or disdain "I like it or I didn't like it"

"YOU KNOW" seems to be another infectious disease worse than swine flu.

"I was looking at you know, this house you know, and the neighbor, you know came over and was you knowing talking to me about the what day the garbage was you know picked up."

You know is not a dramatic pause, nor it is a substitute for UM or a comma.

"UM" is another linguistic impediment. I recently attended an Honors banquet at UCF, and the Head of the College must have said "UM" at least 35 times when introducing the Department Chair.

I was so pleased they were taping it for future broadcast purposes.

Taping yourself periodically is not a bad idea- to identify and isolate potentially irritating mannerisms, such as do you roll your eyes, make odd facial expressions or have speech deficiencies, or other potentially irritating problems?

It will allow you to see yourself as others see you.

Have you ever thought to do this as part of basic salesmanship 101? Should all brokers periodically tape agents giving listing presentations?

What agent idiosyncrasies have really gotten you irritated?

St. Cloud Florida Real Estate Broker/Associate,

St. Cloud Florida Homes For Sale, Buying HOMES In St. Cloud Florida, Real Estate Agent specializing in Osceola County Homes ,Townhomes, vacation properties, land, & Investment Properties-Allison Knows Osceola County, Fl.

Posted by Allison Stewart BROKER/ASSOC/REALTOR ®St. Cloud Florida on 09/19/2009 06:19 AM

Comments (214)

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Originally posted at: Allison Stewart Realtor Insights: ARE YOU UNINTENTIONALLY IRRITATING?

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214 Comments on ARE YOU UNINTENTIONALLY IRRITATING?

SEP

I don't think I'm irritating at all. . intentionally or unintentionally

Um. . . . Like that. . . . you know. . . . . expains a lot!

LOL!

For the lack of a better word, folks slip into the "you knows" or the "likes" out of habit.

I find it astounding when I hear a person of authority with the "you knows".

When I was getting instructor qualified while in the Navy they would tape us giving presentations so we could see first hand how many irritating habits we had.

Allison, oh so true. I've got some of these in my office. Then again, they probably feel I'm irritating too.

GOOD MORNING ALLISON! I hear several agents over-use the word "seriously" and sometimes with the word "like" - "like seriously this is the best price .."; and "seriously though - have you seen that kitchen?", etc. Fun post! -- Gabrielle

Doing videos of yourself is a quick way to solve many of those problems. At first it will probably be frightening to watch yourself but you'll quickly get annoyed at your flaws and hopefully be aware of them so that you can work on correcting them.

One little thing. In the sentence "I like it", I think like is a verb and not an adjective.

Allison:

I'm like - I totally get this - totally... (that's another one.)

Allison, Wendy and I had these discussions after recording almost 9 hours of webinars. Every time we replayed one we would notice our voice mannerisms and try hard to correct them the next time around. I have a whole bunch of them!!! Could be an uneducated southern country boy thing.......you know?

An excellent example of what you are talking about from none other than Caroline Kennedy:

The More You Know: Caroline Kennedy

UM- Fernando are you sure?

LENN- My Mom used to call that "You-Knowitis" she had a great ear and was a surperb mimic before we had video cameras there was Mom to correct these irritating problems.

DAN- Effective aren't they? It is amazing what we can learn when watching oursleves.

GABE- it has gotten really bad lately. Thanks for stopping by my post.

TIM-SERIOUSLY? REALLY TIM REALLY? Actually I think I should have written something more specific for instance: " I like the taste of the chocolate better than the vanilla ice cream" but in all the excitement, Dude, I like, um, totally forgot ,you know? LOL

CLAUDETTE- LOVE IT! Peace out.

Somtimes I even irritate myself ! LOL Another one is "Man" or is that just a southern thing. A flip camera is a quick and easy way to tape yourself and is it ever , um like a seriously um eye opener! Great post Allison. Love the comment and video included about Caroline Kennedy.

DAN- excellent example of WHAT NOT TO DO when speaking in public-

BB- It isw amazing how when you hit the playback button you become the listener instead of the speaker.

Allison...

I'm like...Totally physiced...Um...It's like...Today's the big day...Man :)

P.S. You're going to have a blast with this post. You know :)

TLW...ROAR!

Are you unintentionally irritating?

Unintentionally? Nah.

Intentionally? When the need arises :-)) Nothing more fun that being intentionally irritating to those that deserve it. All with an innocent smile on my face of course...

LOL @ Kris...

I kinda saw that one coming :)

We never, ever deliberately irrigate anyone with a big ole smile :)

TLW...ROAR!

Okay...

I got one for you Allison:

"Did they sign yet?"

For God's sakes. Stop. You gave 'em 48 hours and have called three times today with the same stupid question. When they sign, you'll be the first to know. Man :)

TLW...ROAR!

Allison,

I've left many a seminar or presentation because of the presenters doing this! As for me, I'm perfect! ;-)

Allison, as I read this, I kept thinking that, you know, this one deserves one of those, um, gold stars. Then I saw that someone beat me to the punch.

Another one is "like". You know, like my totally stinky dog really needs a bath.

they say you are 3 things, how people see you , how you see yourself and how you really are....it gets confusing sometimes.

Allison

Got a kick out of this. Now if I can only get my son to stop saying "Dude" or "whatever". Lots of young people do say "you know"

Allison, This had me laughing out loud. Here's another one for you which seems to be an epidemic for the teens but (I believe) started by some adults. Just listen to some tv anchors deliver the news. Adding an "h" where there is none so that contruction becomes conshtruction, and street becomes shtreet and so on. Drives me nuts and I told my daughter I did not want to hear it come out of her mouth!

I have a definition for you know and um speech patterns. It is called a cranial infarction.

Ummmm, like ya know...it's 90210 speak....and "whatever" and a long "pa-lease" (for please). And the worst....putting a hand up when someone else is talking (talk to the hand). I had to add my 2cents worth...

Great Post , a blast to read, along with all the other comments. Make yours a great day!

Fun reading the comments, I am very irritating when I am irritated.

I don't think that most people are intentionally irritating - just naturally so...

Talk to the hand...good one Man...

Even President Obama says "uh" in his speeches and press talks. We all have bad habits. I don't intend to spend my entire life trying to overcome every single one of them, but maybe one or two.

Great post and fun to read. The comments were just as entertaining! Good coffee reading material.

One of my pet peeves is when the word "so" is dragged out, especially in written form: "sooooooooo" I suppose to make a point, but I never get the point because I'm distracted. I see this used alot on AR.

Did you know that DUDE in its oldest form was the hair on an elephants butt?

Hi Allison, we can all work to improve I agree. But remember too, you can't please everyone so strive for excellence not perfection. Agents not returning phone calls or emails bothers me most.

I am!

I discovered several annoying habits when I started using video emails to communicate with my clients.

Being originally from Redondo Beach California, I use Dude all the time, but only with my old surf buddies.

Have you ever noticed how locally some expressions can be irritating? What are some of your regional expressions.. for example don't cha know? In Minnesota

You surely can't was one I had to get used in the south.

I am soooooo... (oops)...... like...(dang).... um....(*insert curse word).... eye roll ..... evidentially annoying. My husband has pointed out my "um" usage so I have been trying to weed it from my vocab but it's what I call a thought trigger. When I'm searching my brain, it escapes my mouth! ;-)

There are conversational habits and there are public speaking habits. If anyone is going to become a public speaker (and I don't mean on the professional circuit, just standing before a group and speaking) they should try Toastmasters. You will get over the "ums" and "uhs" rather quickly. As for conversational habits, my worst is probably glancing away from the person I'm speaking to from time to time. I'm working on it, but I think it's a personal space/too much intimacy issue with me. Like I said, I'm working on it.

I'm sorry Marcy...what were you saying I was looking away and missed it...just kidding. How abnout when you are talking to someone and they get that far off gaze? Hello? Oh that can be annoying too- H-E-L-L-O! Remember when that was popular?

Funny post and comments! My least favorite is chronic use of "like". . . immediately discredits any intelligence the speaker may have.

allison- i think i am, but i try not to be.

dan- she needs to join toastmasters

Or amazing. I'd like to kick the word amazing in the teeth. Few things in this world are truly amazing. When it's overused, the word becomes meaningless.

How funny! this was the subject of conversation last night with my husband and then we caught ourselves doing the same.

Allison, I was reading this post of yours ..and I was like ..omg...and I was telling a colleague about this post in the office ..and I was saying you was talking about me..and she was like..yeah, I know hah..and she was telling me ..you know nothing..and I was saying..are you talking about me...and she was like ..whaat-evvv- errr..and I was like bro..I mean sis..what's up with that..and she was like..there ain't nothing..and told me...peace out...cheers. I was perplexed..to say the least..and I was like..cheerios..back to you too..and she was like..speak to the hand..and she walked away..nonchalantly..with a crescent-shaped smirk on her face

I've really become cognizant of the "you knows" in my speech and try to eliminate them as much as possible. The other phrase I hear people use a lot to start a sentence is, "I mean..." when there's no continuity to the subject at hand. We ALL need to concentrate on speaking better, it really does convey a certain image. You know what I mean? :-) Great post and best of luck to you.

Allison, Well, you know, um, I think that's true of any folks, you know. I hate it when folks, you know, say "wouldn't you agree?" or "don'y you agree?". No, I don't.

Jeff

My wife is TOTALLY always letting me know how irritating I am. WHATEVER! I am all, you know, so not irritating. She's all, you have to stop saying, like, you know. and I'm all, WHATEVER. If she doesn't stop you know, telling me that i'm irritating, I'm going to get mad. WHATEVER

OMG! How did you know?

Allison: There are very few people in the World who are trained speakers. Even the best of the best of those slip up every now and then. I accept people for who they are. If who they are happens to irritate me … then I figure I have more work to do in the acceptance department. I certainly would not want to live my life sitting in the judgment box … that would be a very lonely place to live.

I once got picked up for using the words 'I think' too many times. Never knew I did it! Try not to now. We all have our little foibles.

Like, um totally. I think it's that thing, ah, well, maybe that thingee, ahh, basically what I mean is, umm, if we learned more better English, maybe we'd, like, talk better, ya know? So, I'm like, I gotta learn more better English, ya know? So, yeah, whatever.

ah yes..the infamous what-ever!

We've heard Amazing...

AWE-SOME is another one...there are so many more..keep going!

more better english...Loved that one!

TOASTMASTERS is the answer! Every real estate professional should be in Toastmasters! I have made a lot of money over the years because of the confidence, communication skills and contacts that this organization has provided for me! Like...OMG...go join Toastmasters now!!! lol! :o))

how about "I'm down wit dat? or ya undastand wat I'm saying...

Right.

Having someone say that after every sentence I say drives me crazy. I guess they say that to try to make me believe they already knew that. The irritant is that they usually know very little.

This is actually funny but some people do it and not even aware of it

Allison- Yes, I think we all have something that can be annoying. I have learned to tune it all out after going through raising 6 kids, 5 under the age of 10 at the same time- I learned to tune their crying out, their temper tantrums out, etc. So these are minor. The rolling of the eye balls, I do that and it makes Nestor SO mad! How rude of me! I do have a low tolerance for stupidity and have to watch myself as I come across condescending. I know my faults. My 7 year old has a new term, everything is 'technically'. :) Katerina

If I'm irritating it is definitely NOT unintentional. :)

Who me ? I try to limit the amount of times I use the word "awesome" in a day.

Can be mildy irritated when people say "no problem" instead of "you're welcome" when I say thank you. Still don't get that one.

Linda Metallo, Re/max Impact, Lockport, Il.

ROTFLMAO @ Candice. ;-)

Allison, cool post. Um... You know, like - how can I not jack this blog (LMAO). Seriously... ;-)

Hi Mama! It's your way-ward child coming out to play in the Rain. TLW are you ready? :-D

I tend to mirror other peoples body language or emails. If they use like or lol I would do the same.

I think I am intentionally irritating sometimes, for what it's worth. One of my pet peeves is, "You won't believe what just happened", followed by something boring, like a speeding ticket, or flossing your teeth.

Hey C: I'm crushing your head, I'm crushing your head. Did you notice the photo in this post?

LOL @ Jason. Seriously? Hmm... :-)

LMAO @ Elizabeth. I've been giggling over a few internal captions myself. That is a neat photograph, eh? :-)

Allison, "Like, duh???" is one of my faves besides "seriously" (LOL). ;-)

Ha, ha, C: Could be interpreted as child abuse.

ROTFL @ Elizabeth. Ooooooooo the things I could say here but wont (LMAO). ;-)

Yes, "um" every other sentence gets irritating. Um - do you know what you're saying??? I also have a problem with people calling me sweetie.

Why not C? I've never known you to hold your tongue or the cat's tongue or anybody else's tongue, for that matter.

Aw man... Teresa, I call everybody I like sweetie. Dang... I shall have to try and remember not to automatically do that (LOL). I say sweetie pie if I really really really like you (LMAO).

Haaaaaaaaaa! Elizabeth, you making me have to run to the bathroom and potty (LMAO). ;-)

Wow here I am Sweetie Pies, Never been to a jacking before. Thanks for the invite.

Hey Dick and Dixie! Lovely to see my sweetie pies playing in the Rain. Get comfy. We're going to be lurking here having a very interesting conversation (LOL). I have lots of annoying habits to make fun of (LMAO). ;-)

I'm parking, watching the FL-TN game, writing a blog post and eating popcorn. Wonder where TLW is today. We need some music!

I'm considering doing an audio (ROTFL). There are only three people in the office today. That means I can say just about anything. Be afraid... be very afraid (LMAO).

Hmm... wonder what annoying traits I shall reveal in the comments section to share with the bay-bays... So many to choose and spoof on, so little time to edit (LOL). A live feed might be interesting (or dangerous) considering the fact that E is soooooooo right about my tongue.

The virtual squish to my virtual head may affect Wordy C in the most curious of ways... ;-)

Dick and Dixie, TLW and I flipped some e-mail in the background. She'll be popping in and out. Promise. :-)

I haven't made it to a jacking before it was over in a long time!

Ann, my love, you are right on time. We're lurking here today. Allison gave us such a nice subject to play with (LOL). :-)

I have an agent who opens each phone call with GUESS WHAT?

Then she actually WAITS for an answer. I could scream. I have to reply, I don't know, WHAT? before she will continue.

I've been watching football at home and one of my family members is unintentionally irritating me with his enthusiasm! I was about to take a break and make a grocery run until I saw there was a partay happening over here.

Ann Partays are more fun than a grocery run.... oh I think rhymes are irritating..... Or maybe alot of !!!!! or .....

Allison:

I found out this week that pain can make anyone irritating. I dislocated my shoulder and the sweety-sweet nurse kept asking me the same questions over and over in the emergency room. When I told her she was irritating me, she got even nicer and all the more irritating. Yuk!

Would you kids get off this post you're irrating the C*** out of me. i mean it - beat it - like right now man - did you hear me - or do I have to repeat myself again? LOL

Allison...

You're not going to believe this, but I have a bad habit of saying "you re not going to believe this but..."

Erica, if someone kept doing that to me that would make me hang up (LOL).

Ann, I am working on a tutorial and playing in the Rain. :-)

LOL @ Dick and Dixie. Um... er... soooo whatcha drinking? ;-O

Carol, too much sugar can make one gag... Extra special vocal niceties always make me wonder what they're really thinking (LOL). Nice is nice. A saccharin sweet nicey-nice voice triggers a "you're on meds?" reaction in me. Might be a New York thing... :-)

I don't know about this being irritating, but it cracks me up when a certain family member tries to be cool by using phrases that the kids use, only to get it all wrong. So funny!

ROTFLMAO @ Anna Banana. I knew this was a good place to park and play. ;-)

I know that being hearing impaired makes me incredibly annoying, probably all of the time! Hopefully, some of more lovable habits make me worthwhile to have around. Hmmmm. Now that I think of it, I do spend an incredible amount of time alone with my dog, who doesn't ever say anything he needs to be repeat to me! Laughed at Katerina's comment. I do a lot of eye rolling too, and sometimes I forget and do it right in front of the person who I find doing something worthy of an eye-roll. I am also a constant gum chewer which I know annoys some of my friends. I also crack my knuckles. And laugh out loud all of the time. Now that I think of it, I am totally and irreparably annoying.

Oh my god Susan you sound unbearable! Knuckles AND gum chewing.

LOL @ Richard. I love irony. :-D

Ann, my hubby does that!!!! He makes me crazy. He'll hear me quip something sarcastic on the phone to one of my girlfriends and try to use it on me down the road when we're bantering back and fourth. Makes me nuts. I'm always b*tching, "Hey - that's my line. Get your own buddy. Don't toss my junk back in my trunk." Yes. It's true. I can be cartoon ghetto fabulous when I want to. Seriously (LOL).

LMAO @ Susan. Mangiggly the I-Talian, I love you. Your "flaws" make you absolutely adorable. ;-)

LOL @ Erica. "Knuckles and Gum Chewing" would make for a very interesting blog post title. Hmm... (LOL).

C don't make me come over there and get you - I will - you know I will like in a flash man. I mean it.

C, my husband is the guilty party too. He is a wannabe teenager in a 47 year old body.

Erica, Pottstown is not all that far from West Chester. Be carefule. There could be some gum chewing and knuckle cracking in your very near future!

Um, like, this is totally cool like post, ya know. Of course, when I am irritating, it's more likely than not, quite intentional.

Pass the popcorn please.... we are only 2 count em 2 comments short of 100...

I just love a good jacking don't you?

Fun post and comments .... when I worked at Stanford University there was a high-ranking VP on staff whose favorite word is "awesome." We all knew she'd use the word whenever possible, and during a 15-minute speech we counted "awesome" 17 times -- and we couldn't believe, like, that um she didn't know she was doing it!

Tammy, I think I am in the intentional crew as well. There. I said it. :-O

Do tell Susan... ;-)

Ann, sometimes we take turns being three year olds in my house (LOL). ;-)

LOL @ Anna Banana. "Don't make me come over there," is what I say off and on all day to my kids when they're home from school (ROTFL). ;-)

C- Just drinking this sweet tea with too much sugar, sugar! lol

2 words:

SCREAMING KIDS okay now that is more irritating than knuckle popping and gum cracking

Allison, I love a good jack. I am happily addicted to 'em (LOL). Thanks for hosting this par-tay, lovely. What a stellar post to come out and play on. :-)

Maureen, I think I'm sort of like that with the word "seriously..." It's like a pacifier for so many rapid fire thoughts flowing through my head that instead of saying a pithy comment I find myself responding to myself or others with the final thought, which is usually seriously... (LOL). At one point my three year old thought it was his name (ROTFLMAO). Stephen would do stuff and I'd flip out with no-no-mommyisms like, "Seriously, what where you thinking?" "Are you serious?" "You can't possibly be serious..." (BTW, how does one un-confuse a child? LMAO)

How bout screaming kids and they're spreading jelly and peanut butter all over the sofa - yeah man - now that'a what cha call a bad day and it just out and out irrating.

LOL @ Dick and Dixie. Awesome! I am at my desk with two computers humming away and my fave Snapple Peach Tea. Hubby wants me to come home but I am having way to much fun enjoying the peace and quiet. There are now only four people in my office. Cool... I'm coding "Ladies In The Rain." Looking forward to finally getting this puppy posted late tonight. Just need to finish arranging the music. :-)

Anna Banana, how about your three year old watching shampoo commercials that talk about fruit content... Light bulb goes off. Kid now dumps his peach fruit cup in our hair... Did I mention the feeding of the DVD PB&J sandwiches? I should post the Blur Minion's latest ritual sacrifice of our electronics. Now there's a fun but annoying habit to share with you (LOL).

My pet peeve.....when speaking to any man for the first time and he calls me babe, sugar or sweetheart. Ugh.

Oh Man pbjy's in the dvd cracks me up. Can you say go to your room now! My little guy was so cute. The morning before we were leaving on vacation he wanted to "help' since i was out with clients. It think he was about 6 or 7. He waters all the plants including the big one on the brand new tv. Ooops! We didn't discover it till we got back and wondered why it wouldn't work anymore!!!! What are you going to do - we left it like that for the summer so they'd play outside instead of watching tv. Turned out ok!

Hi Allison :)

I am so thankful that I am perfect in every way ya'll. Poppins

Or Momma , Mommy, when they are trying to get your attention.

ANNA BANANA you crack me up!

This is fun to read all the comments! "Uh-huh" is something that bothers me because it's almost like they're not listening and just wasting your time! Congrats on the feature Allison! Great post!

They probably aren't listening and think I'm irritating!

Lina, I made "a face" when I read that (LOL).

Anna Banana, I say "go to your room" so much that when we irritate our wee people they now demand that we "go to our room." Noah is hysterical. He puts his hand on his hip and points just like I do (LMAO). Guess what? I go to their room for my time out because I don't want him to see me cracking up. ;-)

Allison, my crazy kids certainly have my attention. I even call the hubby to find out what they're doing (LOL). There have been days where Mikey tells me flat out that I don't want to know. :-D

Uh- huh Wanda...thanks for stopping by -now what were saying, I wasn't listening... (wink wink)

ROTFL @ Sherry. Perfect indeed. ;-)

LOL @ Wanda and Allison. :-D

See! I knew it!

LOL Wanda

And who was it who left the toilet seat up?

Hi Allison, are you like totally crushing that little girl's head?

"I crush your head, I crush your head, I crush your head!"

Totally! I squeeze your head...oh no!

What a bitchy thing to write. Get over yourself. In fact, this may be the most irritating thing I've, UM, read in years!

LOL :-D

Really Aaron..Really? Are you wearing a space suit dude?

I think Aaron has his pants pulled up to under his chin....

Allison, it reminds me of a pair of undies briefs... Look at the band. I could be totally wrong, after all, everyone knows I am soooo easily amused (LOL). Hmm... Could it be he was teasing? There was irony in Aaron's statement (LMAO). ;-)

OMG! Um, Allison. Well, like I really didn't mean to um, like irritate you. Seriously, Allison, good reminder. Thanks for the post.

Sherry! We posted the same observation at the same time. Cool. Two votes for the undies (LOL).

Um well you know um I like don't think I know what you are talking about. I um am never um well you know irritating to anyone.

Pamela, that was so valley-girl of you (LOL).

LOL @ Sybil. I kinda want to call you to hear that in person (ROTFL).

OMG! Sybil... for sure! Isn't it a great stress reliever to come and play in the rain?

I'm a southern girl, and I often cuss. But we're not irritating in the south - we're gentile.

We have a special thing in the south: "Bless her heart."

You can say ANYTHING about anybody as long as it is preceded or followed by "Bless her heart."

Examples:

Suzy is as wide as a barn, bless her heart.

Joe couldn't sell a house if he priced it at a dollar, bless his heart!

Bless her heart, Sally can't count to ten!

Y'all hear about Judy's flat pie? Girl can't cook for sh*t, bless her heart!

C Just wondering what do your friends call you for short?

Hi Allison. I laughed while reading some of the comments. Saying "Um" a lot can be annoying too :-)

I love this topic, I deal with my "unfair" share of annoying people. Its not fair. But then I realize that I deal with some great people too! Funny how the annoying ones overshadow the good ones.

By the way, talking to the hand will make you go blind. Or so I heard. I'm just sayin'

ROTFLMAO @ Lori. I love gentile southerners. Seriously... ;-)

Allison, that would be "C" (LMAO). My 1983 college buddies refer to me as Carol. 1989 law enforcement buddies refer to me as Tann. My 1995 law enforcement buddies refer to me as Tann-Starr. My 1998 artsy-fartsy friends refer to me as Caroline. My Russian friends refer to me as Karen. My mother and Uncle John call me Lucy. Everyone else calls me Carolyn because that's my name. My buddies call me C. They got tired of correcting people regarding the Carol, Carolyn, Caroline, Karen, Lucy thing. I will give you my mother's number if you want to know why she and my Uncle John call me Lucy (LMAO). Now there's a fun story... ;-)

LOL @ BB. Blind, eh? (ROTFL)

Nope I'm quite sure Aaron's got a bib on - can't you see the spagetti sauce on his face? Go back up and look real close - go! LOL

C I think you need another new name - I'll be back tomorrow with ideas, gotta go parti with some fine folks. BtW join the BananaTude group!

Allison- Yes I can be unintentionally irritating but I find I'm at my best and give my peak performance when I am INTENTIONALLY irritating. Kidding aside, I find thoughtlessness totally irritating.

I have a friend who used to start every story with "This one time....." So I started adding "at band camp". Finally had to tell him to watch American Pie. He doesn't say "This one time" any more.

I'm back and happy to see the par-tay is still happenin'. Did the grocery run, did supper, hubby parked in front of the wide screen for a Saturday night of football bliss. (I'm Alabama born and bred, lived here all my life, but I swear I don't get the football hysteria...shame on me!)

I see Lori has shared our way of dealing politely with most anything that comes our way!

Generally I don't think I'm irritating.....but with that said.....I guess I can be irritating when I'm irritated!:

Patricia

Anna Banana, another name? Seriously? Is it a sign of affection or dementia? I'm really starting to wonder about that (LOL). Send me a link to Banana Tude. I don't want to get my eyes crossed looking for this thing. Sounds like fun. Please don't make me wade through over 5000 groups... Yeah, I know we have a search button but humor me. I'm coding music between chasing little minions. :-)

Ann, Lori did tickle me pink, bless her heart (LOL). ;-)

I have never been irritating....But I have been know as an agitator. (evil laugh...)

Sherry, lovin' the Eeeeeeevil Laugh. ;-)

C-- don't care why the names/nicknames. You're C here.

This happened to me when I was listening to the president of my company speak. He said "UMM" so was really questioning what he was saying. Was he nervous, dishonest, or a bad speaker??!

This is so much fun. Thank you C for jacking it. LOL I irritate a lot of people by smiling a lot. They can't get how "I'm so happy all the time" and I can tell they're really annoyed. LOL

My least favorite would be "I know, right?" LOL

Today being national Talk like a Pirate day...That "Arrr Matey" crap really gets on my nerves.

Ok. a wee late to the party. Her other name is "Hi C" like the drink.

Back to the annoying..

"You know what I mean" stated after each sentence!

"Can I be honest with you?" Well no, lie like you usually do?

"Can I ask you a question?" Duh, you just did!

I never liked that on cartoons, Sherry. I'm glad I have girls and they gave that up real soon.

"I don't mean to be mean but........."

Seriously, how can this be any excuse for being rude or mean?!!!!

ahhh is this like a hijacking or somthen? Like what in the world is going on here? I thought this was a serious post about not irritating people or something like that.... seriously how about the guy/gal asking - and what do you think about that? How do you FEEL about this? Does this makes sense to you? DO you AGREE... ugh.

Thanks C for the invite to such a fun par-tee!

Love this post and the comments. My brother went thru the "man" stage. Drove my dad NUTS! The more dad griped the more Dale said Man. I thought he would NEVER stop. I think the idea of doing a tape to check is great. Will have to try it (if I can stand listening to myself)

Hi Allison -- I know a person who says "...or what not..." in almost every sentence. I have been critiqued in the past and there was a time when I said "you know" every once in a while and it was hard to break myself of it but I did and I didn't even realize I was saying it.

"Can I be honest with you?" Well no, lie like you usually do? ROTFLMAO @ Margaret Rome. OMG - too funny!!!!

Margaret, can I use that for a blog post title? How about a slide show of mad quotes? This post is mad fun!!!!

Ann, when people have to tell you they "don't mean to be mean" it usually means they were really thinking about being mean in the first place (LOL).

Lee and Pamela, it most certainly is a high-jacking. We've been live for hours. Welcome to the par-tay (LOL). ;-)

Awwwww man. How did I forget "Hi C" and "Wordy C?" Someone tell my lovely banana-headed friend no more nicknames (LOL). ;-)

Nothin tickles me more than to see that C Tann is jackin, bless her heart!

I'm just saying . . .

BB - I bet TLW told you that talking to the hand will make you go blind. Listen up, 'cause she has the power to poison your breakfast!

LOL @ Lori! :-D

Like and you know are aggravating to me. I think taping ourselves occasinally is a good idea to

avoid this.

Christine, I was tempted when I was in the office but quickly got over it (LOL).

This has been fun to read! Interesting day on active rain.

Most of these phrases, like "y' know" and "Um" are verbal pauses that give people an extra second to organize their thoughts. But regardless of the reason, many get tired. A few of my pet peeves: "I'm going to be honest with you." (thanks, I guess) "At the end of the day" & "Not for nothin'.." (both phrases portend "tough talk") The worst: "Of late" as in "Prices have been going up of late." some radioheads have adopted the phrase and now some use it when they want to sound smart. What's wrong with "lately?"

C, I think this title would make a great post. "Can I be honest with you?" Well no, lie like you usually do? I have answered that way many times...you have to do it with a smile to get away with it!

Why do I get "Multiple Threat Detection" on this post.

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So, forget the "ums" and "likes" -- it's now . . .

and I'm just sayin' . . .

I can't stand the term: I'm fixin' to or thanks bud. Others like yeah rite, I say you are you left too! Like really also gets on the nerves

Allison, I think it's a great idea to tape oneself every once in a while...especially when it comes to listing presentations. It's the best way to make improvements because we can see exactly what it is about ourself that we want to improve on. :)

Leilani

Sometimes a speaker can carry the UMMMs way to far. My daughetre does it when shes in hot water. UMMMM

Margaret, I shall cook something up after I get back from the gym (LOL). ;-)

Lori, "Just Sayin'" is a fave. I love that. It's so facetious (LMAO).

Laura, ummmm as a tell sign. How cool is that? Very. My kids do the slow blink deer in the headlights look (LMAO).

Allison,

Maybe we all have a little irritation in us...I know it seems to hurt my butt more than any other part of my body...I think it's because I have more meat there then on my neck:)

Lori, In order for TLW to poison my breakfast she'd have to learn how to cook. I'm safe :)

Blog Boy...

Be careful there Dude I can make toast and it's actually easy to poison butter :)

Okay Guys...

You all did a wonderful job in here. I am so proud of each and every one of you. And you're right. It's high time I throw a song in here:

I'll be back and I'll bring the coveted logo that belongs on such a well orchestrated RainJack. Right now I'm dealing with Grand Children whose sole priority appears to be finding ways to keep their Grand Mother away from her computer :)

P.S. No matter how many times I watch that video I still love the tin foil hat thing he has happening :)

TLW...ROAR!

ROTFLMAO @ BB. Too funny!

TLW, enjoy the grand kids. Kids are a real hoot. :-D

Good Stuff Allison but you are really starting to irritate me! LOL. I also agree with Donna as usually I find myself irritating!

Would Shakespeare recognize "English" as we speak it today. A few years ago I had the opportunity to go sailing on the English channel out of Southampton with a group made up of English, Scottish and Irish men and women and I the lone American. I quickly realized they speak English, we speak a different language. From spanners to Bangers and Mash and a thousand other words I learned in the course of eight days I truly was educated on English.

Just realized I've committed every one of these. I hope I have something worthwhile to say when I eliminate all the fillers!

I'm ready to race out and join Toastmasters right this second!

Oh one other peeve...corporate speak. Maybe it's all those years in corporate America. I have a whole list of those I've banned from my vocabulary.

That's why Toastmasters is so great! Um.... well, it's kinda like this really awesome thing to do, you know...

Excellent point about the Queens English vs American English which really has spatterings of all languages in the mix.

Bangers and Mash are ausages and mashed ptoatoes for those you have never been across the pond by the way.

I have many clients you are from there, and it is true there are several linguistic differences and interesting nuances in our two very different languages.

What a great post Allison. I had fun reading most of your comments, it seems everyone can relate to what you are saying.

Thanks to C Tann for sending a shout out to you, I would have missed all of the fun!

Yes, I am sometimes unintentionally irritating. However, the cause is not my speech mannerisms but just my personality. :)

My wife things I am intentionally irritating (and I am)! My biggest problem is my hearing. I sometimes miss things and have to have people repeat themselves.

Yup, um, like, I'm sorry You know!

I have a dear friend that says..."Well, at any rate"...all the time. It is not as iritating as "you know". I can't believe that Carolyn Kennedy used "you knoiw" 30 times in that clip Dan put in his comments.

TLW...I remember that crazy song...and now, as before, want to forget it..LOL

Well, it is what it is. Y'know?

All those sayings you mentioned are really annoying, and I am glad I do not use any of them. Of course there are probably some that I am using, so maybe I should record myself like you suggested and see what I am saying. Good idea.

I was one of those that used to say like alot!!! OMG! (ok that was a joke) But yes, taping yourself is a great idea, it is a great self improvement tool, and who doesn't need that, you know! :)

Good reminder post. The nervous need to fill empty air while the brain thinks of appropriate words. My current pet peeve word that I think is overused is phenominal. It's like fingernails on a chalkboard for me!

How about when someone says "Anywho" UGH!

Oh, gosh, um how totally fun is this Awesome post.....Of course I'm never irritating, but in my industry one thing completely irritates me: answer your phone, answer your phone ANSWER YOUR $%^&* PHONE!

If you sell houses and Its daylight on a weekday answer your phone. OK I'm probably done with the tiny rant..

Hello... Anywho.... Allison - ahh how are you 'darling'! So good to see you still alive and kicking after this jacking.

OMG this was like a totally awesome like post kinda thing.

Around here what gets me is:

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FIR?

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Very good idea Allison. It is also important to know that some people will be irritated no matter what people do. However, we CAN, however, work on the general traits that MANY people do not like.

What an incredible idea to tape yourself ... and scary too. Will have to think about this.

We probably all do this to some extent - it's just so much easier to spot it in others ;)

One of my pet peeves is a constant "you know what I'm sayin?" after every sentence. Like, seriously.....you know what I'm saying?

Irritating? Moi? Oh my God!! Seriously? Me? Irritating? LOL
Ahemmmm..... well, you know, I probably am, but, like, you know - it would most likely be intentional, at least some of the time, especially if you're having verbal diarrhea. (If you missed a good opportunity to keep your mouth shut, but instead chose to open your mouth - again - I'd probably be extremely irritating (if we want to call it that) ... then). :]

ANYWAYS, one of the things I totally dislike, you know, along with ANYWAYS, is "irregardless"; and the people who say it, you know, think they're so smart for knowing that word, that they just repeat it, wayyyyy too many times.

Anywho :P I'll go irritate someone else now, irregardless of whether they like it or not, eh? LOL

CYA

Ah- ANNA BANANA You are too funny girl!

TINA- The sound of your voice as others hears it, it what usually throws people off when they tape themselves.

KAREN- The sign of a good listener, is that they do hear what people are actually saying!

Steve, I hear you- you know what I'm saying here... agreed.

Wow, lots of great comments! I find the word AMAZING so irritating! Ever time I turn around it seems someone (esp. younger people) are describing something as AMAZING! Really? Lunch was AMAZING?! I think we need to boarden our vocabulary ASAP!

Oh my gawd is another one that is said too much... Like omg! Um really irritates me and Judge Judy too. She says UM is not an answer...lol I am sure I have to say something that irritates someone.

Bottom Line. Bottom Line. Bottom Line. Bottom Line This :)

P.S. For those of you who don't know any better, you may not swipe my RainJack image. It was a gift from Jeff Turner.

TLW...ROAR!

OMG, this was like, so totally, like awesome, dude, seriously, this blog jacking was like, amazing, fir sure, and like, everyone had a totally, outageous, sick, time- ridiclous, you know, ya understand what I'm sayin, gawd, it was a knucle cracking, gum popping, good time and THANK YOU EVERYONE for participating!

As I've heard the teenagers hanging out here saying: Oh my gawd, that's whack.

LOL

LOVE THIS! I do think we should use many of these and publish a book that would be found in the "self-help" section. Here's a few more (if they haven't already been added... just too many to go through all of these posts!!!)

:May I make a suggestion?" Geez, oh pete - that's like finger nails on a chalk board to me!

Or when trying to make an explanation that intends to make you look stupid if you disagree: "When in reality..." (Come on! I like living in Wonderland with Alice!!"

And I HATE being called honey, sweetie, by ANYONE! It seems so condescending!

BUT, I do like the suggestion from the south about adding or starting with "Bless her/his heart" and you can get away with saying anything!!! I'm starting that one right now!

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I must be odd because most of the stuff you mentioned doesn't bother me. Most of my annoyances focus around spelling, grammar and diction. And my own husband is among the worst offenders! >.<

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I heard Caroline Kennedy talk once and I was mortified FOR HER. I work at being exceptionally irritating and have it down to a well honed science! LOL.

When I was in Mike Ferry's program I taped myself all the time and it indeed is an eye opener! That really is a good sales suggestion.

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