Perfect Speech Educational Consult

The Eye Contact Mistakes Most Public Speakers Are Making
Do not skip this post!

I have heard a lot of public speaking myths from some of my students and clientele. One of them is, “maintaining eye contact with your audience increases your speech anxiety.”
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I don't know where people got this from.
However, from my experience as a public speaker and communications coach, one of the ways to boost your self-confidence and build a good relationship with your audience is to maintain good eye contact with them.

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Eye contact is one of the vital elements of speaking. An audience must feel interested in the speaker, and know the speaker cares about them.


Whether addressing an audience of 1000 or speaking across a “deuce” (table for two), eye contact solidifies the relationship between the speaker and the audience. Good eye contact takes practice. The best practice is to be able to scan the audience, making each member believe the speaker is speaking to him or her.


However, there are some eye contact failures:
🟢 Head Bobber: This person bobs his or her head, looking down at the notes and up to the audience in an almost rhythmic pattern.

🛑 Balcony Gazer: a person who looks over the heads of his or her audience to avoid looking at any individual.

🟢 The Obsessor: a person who looks at one or two audience members, or who only looks in one direction.

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The eyes are called the windows to the soul, and the importance of eye contact in communication cannot be overemphasised. Ideally, a speaker should include 80% to 90% of the delivery time with eye contact.

With good eye contact, the speaker can also observe and gauge the attention and response of the audience. This is part of the feedback process of communication. The idea is that the audience is not overly aware of the speaker using notes.

🟢𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗲𝘆𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁:
1. Practice your speech with a generous amount of eye contact by looking into your mirror or gazing at something when practising.

2. Know your speech well enough to only periodically (and quickly) glance at your notes.

3. Prepare your notes so they can be easily read and followed without hesitation.

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. ~ Colin Powell


I hope this helps.
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I am Itunuayo Lawal Olasunmibo. I help individuals ameliorate their English-speaking skills to boost their self-confidence as English users and to maintain their stance as professionals.


My teaching prowess revolves around Public Speaking, Diction and English grammar.

You are welcome to contact me for any of the above-mentioned.


🟢 Start by signing up for our forthcoming online English Grammar and Public Speaking masterclass, “Speak Like a Pro batch 19.”

Lessons begin February 1.

Refer to the comments for more details.

Itunuayo Lawal Olasunmibo
Your Go-to Grammar and Diction Coach

Common Grammar Mistakes with Paired Items
(Shoes, Socks, Earrings, Gloves)

1. Shoes
I can’t find the second leg of my shoes. ❌
I can’t find one of my shoes. ✅
I can’t find the mate of my shoe. ✅
👉 Shoes don’t have legs. Use “one of my shoes,” “the other shoe,” or “the mate.”

2. Earrings
I can’t find the second ear of my earrings. ❌
I can’t find the mate of my earring. ✅
I can’t find the other earring. ✅
👉 Earrings don’t have ears. Refer to the missing piece as “the other earring” or “the mate.”

3. Socks
I can’t find the second leg of my socks. ❌
I can’t find one of my socks. ✅
I can’t find the mate of my sock. ✅
👉 Socks don’t have feet. Say “one of my socks” or “the mate.”

4. Gloves
I can’t find the second hand of my gloves. ❌
I can’t find one of my gloves. ✅
I can’t find the mate of my glove. ✅
👉 Body-part words (leg, ear, hand, foot) are not used for objects that come in pairs.
The missing half of a pair is called "the mate".




I hope this helps. Share your thoughts in the comments.

📌P. S.: My eBooks are still available for purchase for just ₦500 ($0.34). You can buy directly from me via WhatsApp or purchase through Selar in your local currency.

Read the pinned comment for more information. 👇

Itunuayo Lawal Olasunmibo
Your Favourite Grammar & Diction Coach

Please, snap me. ❌
Please, take me picture. ❌

“Snap” is an action for the picture, not the person.

Instead, say:
Could you take a picture/photo of me? ✅

Would you mind taking a picture of me? ✅

Can you take a quick photo of me? ✅

Would you take a picture of me, please? ✅

For videos:
Why are you taking a video of me? ✅
Why are you recording me? ✅

I hope this helps.

Mastering Commonly Confused Words (Part 5)

1. Check on vs. Check up on
I will check up on the lights before leaving. ❌
I will check on the lights before leaving. ✅

The doctor will check up on the patient next week. ✅
I regularly check up on my elderly neighbours. ✅
👉Check on means to inspect or make sure something is okay.
Check up on is used when monitoring someone or something over time.


2. Born vs. Borne
She was borne in 1995. ❌
She was born in 1995. ✅
Born is used for birth, while 'borne' is the past participle of bear, meaning carried, endured, or supported (e.g., “The cost was borne by the company”).

The heavy box was borne on his shoulders. ✅


3. Quite vs. Quiet
The classroom is quite during lessons. ❌
The classroom is quiet during lessons. ✅

Please be quite while I’m speaking. ❌
Please be quiet while I’m speaking. ✅
👉 Quiet means silent or making little noise.
Quite means very or fairly.



4. Imminent vs. Eminent
The eminent danger caused panic.❌
The imminent danger caused panic. ✅

Flooding is eminent in that area. ❌
Flooding is imminent in that area.✅
👉Imminent means about to happen very soon. Eminent means famous, respected, or distinguished.


5. Switch off vs. Turn off
His rude behaviour switched off everyone. ❌
His rude behaviour turned off everyone. ✅

The comment switched off the audience. ❌
The comment turned off the audience. ✅
👉 Switch off is mainly used for machines or electrical devices.
Turn off can be used for devices, feelings, attitudes, or interests.


6. Turn on vs. Switch on
The joke switched on the crowd. ❌
The joke turned on the crowd. ✅

Her smile switched on his interest.❌
Her smile turned on his interest. ✅
👉 Switch on is used mainly for electrical devices. Turn on can also mean to arouse interest or excitement.


7. Calvary vs. Cavalry
Jesus was crucified at cavalry. ❌
Jesus was crucified at Calvary. ✅

Christians remember the cavalry on Good Friday. ❌
Christians remember Calvary on Good Friday. ✅
👉 Calvary is the place of Jesus’ crucifixion.
Cavalry refers to soldiers who fight on horseback or in armoured vehicles.



🛑 P.S.: My eBooks are still available for just ₦500. Check the pinned comment for information.

Which pair surprised you the most? Let me know in the comments 👇

Itunuayo Lawal Olasunmibo
Your Favourite Grammar & Diction Coach

Vocabulary Series 1

Words Related to a New Beginning:

1. Inception (noun)
Meaning: The beginning or start of something.
Example: The project reached its inception after months of careful planning.

2. Genesis (noun)
Meaning: The origin or formation of something; the very beginning.
Example: That small idea was the genesis of a global movement.

3. Renaissance (noun)
Meaning: A revival or renewed interest in something; a period of growth or rebirth.
Example: This year marks a personal renaissance in her career.

4. Rebirth (noun)
Meaning: A renewal or revival; being born again in a figurative sense.
Example: The company’s restructuring led to a complete rebirth.

5. Reawakening (noun)
Meaning: A renewed awareness, energy, or interest.
Example: The new year sparked a spiritual reawakening within him.

WORDS YOU’VE PROBABLY BEEN USING INACCURATELY (Part 2)

Here’s Part 2 of our lesson on words commonly misused in everyday English.

1. Robust
Robust = big or fat. ❌
Robust = healthy, strong, vigorous. ✅
👉 Robust describes strength and vitality, not body size.
Example: After a year of karate, I became robust enough to break a plank.



2. Plumpy
She is plumpy. ❌
She is plump. ✅
👉 Plumpy is not a standard English word. Plump means full and rounded.



3. Duplicity
Duplicity = duplication ❌
Duplicity = deceit or double-dealing. ✅
👉 It refers to dishonesty, not copying.
Example: He exposed the spy’s duplicity.



4. Damsel
Any beautiful woman is a damsel. ❌
A damsel is an unmarried young woman. ✅
👉 A married woman is not a damsel.



5. Sober
Sober = sad ❌
Sober = serious or not drunk. ✅
👉 It has nothing to do with sadness.
Example: I’m driving, so I must stay sober.



6. Solemn
Solemn = quiet ❌
Solemn = very serious ✅
👉 It describes mood or attitude, not volume.
Example: He spoke in a solemn manner.



7. Tip of the iceberg
It's used casually without meaning. ❌
It means a small visible part of a much bigger problem. ✅
Example: These protests are just the tip of the iceberg.



8. Ramifications
May God bless you in all ramifications. ❌
May God bless you in all aspects of life. ✅
👉 Ramifications means consequences, often negative. Example: Ignoring the warning could lead to dangerous ramifications.



9. Enormity
Enormity = very big ❌
Enormity = extreme wickedness or seriousness. ✅
👉 It refers to moral shock, not size.
Example: We were shocked at the enormity of the crime.



10. Chronic
She had a chronic headache. ❌
She had an acute headache. ✅
👉 Chronic means long-lasting or persistent, not severe. Example: Her lateness to work has become a chronic problem.



📌 P.S.: My eBooks are still available for just ₦500. Check the pinned comment for details.

Which word stood out to you? Share in the comments 👇

Itunuayo Lawal Olasunmibo
Your Quintessential Grammar & Diction Coach

Are You Guilty of These Church-English Errors?

1. I am a choir. ❌
I am a chorister. ✅
👉 One person can't be a choir, sister Chioma. 😀

2. I am going for "choir practice rehearsal". ❌
(This is redundant— pick one 😄)
I am going for choir rehearsal. ✅
I am going for choir practice. ✅

3. They are doing a "holy communion service". ❌
They are holding a Holy Communion service. ✅
We have Communion today. ✅

5. We will "close service" by 12. ❌
(Not wrong in African English, but not standard.)
The service will end by 12. ✅
We will finish the service by 12. ✅

6. I want to "take/do my baptism" this month. ❌
(Like you’re going to pick it up at the counter. 😄)
I want to get baptised this month. ✅
I want to receive baptism this month. ✅

7. She is a "born and brought up Christian". ❌
(Huh? 😄)
She was born and raised in a Christian home.
She grew up in a Christian family. ✅

8. I am going for "workers meeting".❌
👉(Missing a small but important word and an apostrophe.)
I am going for the workers’ meeting. ✅
We have a workers’ meeting. ✅

9. Our church is doing "women convention". ❌
Our church is holding a women's convention. ✅ We have a women's conference. ✅

10. The pastor "officiated" the burial. ❌
👉(“Officiated” works for weddings, not funerals.)
The pastor conducted the burial service. ✅
The pastor officiated the wedding. ✅

11. Father, I want to "do confession". ❌
I want to go for confession. ✅
I want to make a confession. ✅

12. I want to "pay my tight". ❌
(You're not wearing tight trousers 😄)
I want to pay my tithe. ✅

13. I am going for "altar call". ❌
(As if the altar is calling your phone 😄)
I'm responding to the altar call. ✅
I went out for the altar call. ✅

14. Let's "share the grace in fellowship". ❌
(It sounds familiar but is grammatically incomplete.)
Let us say the grace in fellowship. ✅

15. We had "Bible studies".❌
We had a Bible study. ✅
We attended Bible study. ✅

16. I am going to "my church member’s"
house. ❌
(This sounds like the member belongs to you 😄)
I am going to the house of a church member. ✅

17. I want to "sow a seed to you". ❌
(You’re not planting corn inside the person 😄)
I want to sow a seed into your life. ✅
I want to give you a seed offering. ✅

18. She is a "women leader". ❌
She is the women’s leader. ✅
She is the head of the women’s fellowship. ✅

19. I will "attend the night vigil". ❌
I will attend the vigil. ✅
I will be at vigil tonight. ✅

20. I am a born again. ❌
I am born-again. ✅
I am a born-again Christian. ✅
👉Born-again is an adjective, not a noun.




I am always rooting you. Share your thoughts with me in the comments. 👇

Itunuayo Lawal Olasunmibo
Your Favourite Diction and Grammar Coach

Are you Using These Three Words Wrong?—LIED vs. LAID vs. LAIN

Let's clarify how to use 'lied', 'laid', and 'lain'. These three words often confuse even fluent speakers.

1. Lied
(“Lied” past tense/past participle of lie meaning to tell an untruth)

She lie to her parents yesterday. ❌
She lied to her parents yesterday. ✅

He has lie about his age before. ❌
He has lied about his age before. ✅
Examples:
- She lies a lot. — (Present)
- She lied to me. (Past)
- She has lied to me. (Past participle)



2. Lain
'Lain' is the past participle of the verb 'lie' meaning to rest or be in a flat position.

I have laid on the couch all afternoon. ❌
I have lain on the couch all afternoon. ✅

The baby has laid in bed since morning. ❌
The baby has lain in bed since morning. ✅
Examples:
🟢 I lie on the bed. (present)
🟢 I lay on the bed yesterday. (past)
🟢 I have lain on this bed all morning. (past participle)



3. Laid
(“Laid” past tense/past participle of lay meaning to place something or when a bird produces eggs)

I have lain the keys on the table. ❌
I have laid the keys on the table. ✅

The chicken has lain three eggs today. ❌
The chicken has laid three eggs today. ✅
Examples:
- The hen lays eggs every day. (Present tense)
- The hen laid eggs. (Past tense)
- The hen has laid eggs for three days straight. (Past participle)



👉 To place something:
🟢 I lay the book on the table. (Present )
🟢 I laid the book on the table. (Past)
🟢 I have laid the book on the table. (Past participle)



I hope this clears the confusion between 'lied,' 'laid,' and 'lain.'

Itunuayo Lawal Olasunmibo
Your go-to Grammar and Diction Coach

15 BRITISH vs. AMERICAN ENGLISH STANDARD PHRASES

1. Plate number. ❌
Number plate. ✅ (UK)
License plate ✅ (US)
Registration plate ✅ (both)

2. Expiring date ❌
Expiration date ✅ (US)
Expiry date ✅ (UK)

3. Barbing salon. ❌
Barbershop. ✅ (US)
Barber's ✅ (UK)

4. Fill the form. ❌
Fill in the form. ✅ (UK)
Fill out the form. ✅(US)

5. On the queue. ❌
In the queue. ✅ (UK)
In line. ✅ (US)

6. Fuel station (Understandable)
Filling station/service station/petrol
station. ✅ (UK)
Gas station ✅ (US)

7. Beer parlour ❌
Pub/lounge bar ✅(UK)
Bar/ cocktail bar (US)

8. She is in the university. ❌
She’s at university. (UK) ✅
She’s in college. (US) ✅

9. I will carry you from the park. ❌
I’ll fetch you from the car park. (UK) ✅
I’ll pick you up from the parking lot. (US) ✅

10. She’s in hospital.
(admitted as a patient). (UK)
She’s in the hospital. (US)

11. Let’s meet at the weekend. (UK)
Let’s meet on the weekend. (US)

12. We need to book a holiday. (UK)
We need to book a vacation. (US)

13. The hairdresser's/ beauty parlour (UK)
Beauty salon/beauty shop (US)

14. Chemist's (UK)
Pharmacy/drugstore (US)

15. I want a takeaway pizza. (UK)
I want a takeout pizza. (US)



What are your thoughts on this? Let me hear from you in the comments!

😍Side note: Grab our eBook "100 Confused English Words” is available for just ₦1000 ($1).

Read the pinned comment for more details.

Itunuayo Lawal Olasunmibo
Your Quintessential Diction & Grammar Coach

Spot The Difference: Commonly Confused Compound Words

1. Sport wear ❌
Sportswear ✅
👉 Clothing worn for sports or exercise.

2. Sportmanship ❌
Sportsmanship ✅
👉 Fair and honest behaviour in games or competitions.

3. Craftmanship ❌
Craftsmanship ✅
👉 Great skill in making or designing something.

4. Art and craft ❌
Arts and crafts ✅
👉 Creative handwork activities (like drawing, weaving, or making models).

5. Eye drop ❌
Eye drops ✅
👉 Liquid medicine used for the eyes (always plural).

6. Ear drop ❌
Ear drops ✅
👉 Liquid medicine used for the ears (always plural).

7. Many a times ❌
Many a time ✅ / Many times ✅
👉 Both mean “often.” “Many a times” is grammatically wrong.

8. Town man ❌
Townsman ✅
👉 A person who lives in or comes from a town.

9. Table spoon ❌
Tablespoon ✅
👉 A large spoon used for eating or measuring.

10. Town woman ❌
Townswoman ✅
👉A woman who is a native or resident of a town or city.

🟢When the first part of a compound word refers to a category or general activity like: sports, arts, crafts, it often ends with an 's' even though it's not plural.



I hope you understood that. What do you think about it? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section.

Our eBook, "100 Commonly Confused English Words", is still available for just a thousand naira(₦1000).

Grab your copy today before the offer ends.
Refer to the pinned comment for payment details.

Itunuayo Lawal Olasunmibo
Your preferred Grammar and Diction Coach