Do you ever point out your own mistakes?
This is a great topic for connection since we all make mistakes!
Today you’ll learn expressions to point out mistakes and boost connection.
Opportunities for connection
Aubrey asks Lindsay if she ever points out her own mistakes.
Lindsay responds that she does and feels it’s better to point it out before someone else does.
Aubrey shares something Michelle recently said on the All Ears English podcast.
“We are in the summer. And guys, I’m sure a lot of you are taking summer trips this summer. How many times can I say summer?”
In this phrase, Michelle pointed out that she had repeated the word ‘summer’ multiple times.
It’s an example of a native, natural way we point out our mistakes.
How does pointing out a mistake build connection?
Share your mistakes
Pointing out mistakes is a good opportunity to build rapport.
When having a conversation or presenting at work, you might fumble over your words.
You can say something wrong or forget to mention something.
Pointing out your mistakes can be a great way to make a good connection with others.
Today we share ways admitting you are wrong will help boost connections.
#1: Creates a learning experience
Whatever mistake you make, admitting to it will give you a chance to reflect on what caused the error and what you would do next time.
Especially when you’re learning a new language, errors are inevitable.
If you acknowledge it, you are less likely to make the mistake again.
It can also help you make a good connection.
#2: Shows humility
It takes humility to admit you made a mistake.
People appreciate and respect humility.
No one is perfect and we should be able to poke fun at ourselves.
#3: Eliminates awkwardness
Some errors can create awkwardness.
When you name it and laugh about it, it’s usually minimized or eliminated.
Again, to make an error is human.
So whenever you make a mistake, just address it.
Don’t let it stop the conversation.
#4: Builds relationships
Admitting or pointing out your mistakes makes you relatable.
Everyone makes mistakes.
Nobody is perfect and some people may have made the same mistake.
You can find common ground on your same experience of mishaps or errors.
Mistakes for connection
What mistakes should you point out and how should you do it?
Lindsay and Aubrey talk about some mistakes that they would recommend you point out.
These will help you build connections.
#1: Repetition of a word or phrase
At times we realize we have repeated a particular phrase or word multiple times.
This can be funny when you point it out as Michelle did when repeating “summer.”
Example:
So, about the meeting. During the meeting, we planned our meeting for next month. We’ll be meeting about the budget. Wow, did I just say meeting 5 times?
#2: Mispronunciation
It can be awkward when you mispronounce a word.
We’ll often say “bleh” or “wow” and shake our head and then say the word correctly.
It’s a good way to confidently correct yourself and have a quick laugh.
Example:
Trust is a nucular element in our business. Bleh, wow. A nuclear element.
#3: Vocabulary errors
We might at times use the wrong word.
You can laugh and repeat the error before saying it correctly.
Example:
She’s really well-spoken. I’ve always been impressed with how artificial she is. Artificial! Articulate! I’m impressed with how articulate she is.
What about grammar?
Lindsay and Aubrey point out that when someone makes a grammar error, English speakers don’t usually point out the mistake and laugh about it.
They usually go back and correct it or just move on.
Roleplay
Lindsay and Aubrey share a roleplay using the tips and vocabulary shared in today’s episode.
This will help you better understand how you can apply this in your own English conversations.
It is a great way to boost connection in the workplace or with people in your personal life.
In this scenario, Lindsay and Aubrey are coworkers attending a meeting.
Lindsay: We’ll need to go over the survey and then report the results clearly.
Aubrey: I agree. I think it will be really important to avoid any ambidextrous results. (laugh) Ambidextrous. Ambiguous results! We’ll need to avoid any ambiguous results.
Lindsay: I was gonna say! Ambidextrous?
Aubrey: So funny.
Lindsay: Should we give the survey another week or two or should we close it now?
Takeaway
All Ears English has always believed in Connection Not Perfection™.
Nobody is perfect and making mistakes is part of being human.
Whenever you want to make a true and strong connection with any one, trying to be relatable is always a great strategy.
A great way to relate is by admitting to mistakes.
It can be as little as mixing up names, using the wrong pronunciation, or even forgetting something.
Pointing out minor errors can eliminate awkwardness and create a connection moment.
Apply the tips shared in today’s episode to boost your relationships in the workplace or in your personal life.
What is a mistake you made recently?
We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
