Words Matter #1: Communicate with power
Inspire. Influence. Move others to action.
Your words have the power to do it all.
Fail to speak with intention and your communication becomes uninspiring, insignificant and indecisive.
Three phrases that reduce the power of your message are: I Think, I Believe, and I Hope.
These are safety-net phrases. They weaken your point and diminish the confidence listeners have in your message:
“I think choosing this direction will give us the results we're after.”
“I believe this product will allow you to finally reach your target market.”
“I hope our partnership will provide the support needed to grow your business.”
Hear the difference:
“Choosing this direction will give us the results we’re after.”
“This product will allow you to finally reach your target market.”
“Our partnership will provide the support needed to grow your business.”
The fact that you are saying it implies that you think, believe, or hope it. No need to state the obvious.
People follow those who communicate with conviction.
Make sure your words demonstrate the power you want your listeners to feel.
Words matter; communicate with power.
Click to hone your skills with another topic in the Words Matter series:
Words Matter #12: Design and deliver better questions
Words Matter #11: Earn your audience's attention
Words Matter #10: Choose learning over knowing
Words Matter #9: Say what you want
Words Matter #8: Maximize your conversational influence
Words Matter #7: Face your truth
Words Matter #6: Aim to impact; not impress
Words Matter #5: What’s love got to do with it?
Words Matter #4: Don’t contaminate the conversation