Words have power. Words produce emotions and emotions produce actions. Hence, the words we use may or may not produce action we want. Given below is the list of eight words which generally produce negative emotions and hence fail to produce the action we want. Suggestions about how we can replace these negative emotions producing words with positive emotions producing words have also been given:
- But
This word negates everything said before it.
Substitute And Statement for But Statement
Don’t Say:
I respect your work but I don’t agree with this new idea.
Say:
I respect your work and I have reservations about this new idea.
Don’t Say:
I understand your point but you are missing mine.
Say:
I understand your view and I would like you to understand mine.
- Try
This word presupposes failure. Refuse to be seduced by ‘TRY’
Don’t Say:
I will try
Say:
I promise to ……..
Don’t Say:
I will try very hard
Say:
I commit to …….
Don’t Say:
I will try my best
Say:
I will……
- If
This word presupposes that you might not. Replace ‘IF’ with ‘WHEN’
Don’t Say:
If you work hard, you will succeed.
Say:
When you work hard, you will succeed.
Don’t Say:
If he comes, we will go to the class.
Say:
When he comes, we will go to the class.
- Can’t
This word is in a class of words called negations. Eliminate the word can’t from your sentences
Don’t Say:
I can’t complete this order in 10 days.
Say:
I will complete this order in 14 days.
Don’t Say:
He can’t make 100 calls in a day.
Say:
He can make 90 calls in a day.
- Might
This word means Maybe yes-May be not. Replace might by will/do/can
Don’t Say:
We might fulfill your order in 10 days.
Say:
We will fullfill your order in 14 days.
Don’t Say:
He might not make 100 calls in a day.
Say:
He can make 80 calls in a day.
- Would
- Could
- Should
All have negative impact on power of your message. Use Strong Verbs
Don’t Say:
I would like to complete this by tomorrow.
Say:
I will complete this by tomorrow.
Don’t Say:
Perhaps; you could consider our new products.
Say:
Our new products will definitely excite you.
Don’t Say:
We should offer better service to the customers.
Say:
I must provide better service to our customers.
Choose your words well to get the action you want!
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By:
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@sarwan_singh
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