Public speaking is an important way to boost your credibility, whether you have your own business or you are a sales or corporate professional.

Yet honestly, you do more harm than good if you use words that don't exist -- what I call non-words. You'll hear these words and mispronunciations every day as if they are correct. However, as your Mom probably taught you, "just because everybody's doin' it doesn't mean it's right." Typically those in the know, who are likely your customers or higher-level executives within your organization, will take note of your poor word choices or mispronunciations. And you'll be passed over for someone who speaks correctly. Don't let that happen to you!

Avoid these non-words like the plague in your public speaking and every day speech:

"irregardless" -- actual word: regardless. People place the"ir" on front of regardless, but regardless itself used correctly has the meaning most people want: in spite of; not thinking or caring about costs, dangers, problems, challenges, etc. Using "irregardless" is a redundancy or double negative.

"orientated" -- actual word: oriented. Meaning: getting your bearings; becoming familiar with a location, concept, or process. I don't know where the extra "ta" syllable came from, but it's not needed. Adding that extra "ta" creates a non-word. "acrossed" -- actual word: across. There is no "t" sound at the end of the word across.

"preventative" -- actual word: preventive. Meaning: stopping something before it starts. This is another example of the extra "ta" syllable being added to a word where it does not belong.

"doubtlessly" -- actual word: doubtless. Meaning: certain; without doubt. Adding an "ly" at the end of a word does not make the word any more of an adverb than it already is or somehow change or enhance the meaning.

"acrossed" -- actual word: across. In my experience as a speech instructor since the mid 1990s, this is one of the most commonly mispronounced words in the English language. There is no "t" sound at the end of across. Ever.

"ax" or "axed" -- actual word: ask or asked. This is another commonly mispronounced word. Some people have trouble with that "sk" sound. Practice it until you say it properly every time. People don't want to be "axed" about anything.

Pay attention to how you speak so you maintain your credibility and respect from others. Remember: your word choices can easily make or break you when it comes to public speaking.