Word Choice and What It Might Mean to You!
When we are young,
we are always told to be careful what we say, and the truth is, that
saying should follow us! More than just being polite and speaking in a
moderated tone of voice, the words that we choose can work for us or
against us, especially when it comes to a business context. Words allow
us to communicate so much more than just what we are saying, and with
so many different ways to speak, we need to make sure that we are
choosing the right one.
If you are in a situation where you need
to negotiate a business deal, for instance, you will find that you do
not want to look clumsy, foolish, indecisive, indifferent or weak, but
with the wrong word choice, you might convey exactly that. The words
that you choose to represent you are an important part of the
impression that the people you deal with will carry away. They will
remember your words, and whether it is subconscious or not, you will
find that they are forming an opinion of you that will be difficult if
not impossible to change.
There is a lot of power in words and
when you sit down and really listen to the words that the people around
you are using, you will find that language is a big part of the way
that they are seen. Listen to political speeches and to inspirational
speakers. These are two categories of people who are very much into
being the alphas in any given situation; they need to command the room,
and they need to make sure that they are seen as being in charge and as
being knowledgeable about what they want. While they make it seem easy,
remember that assertive strong speech is as much a skill as anything
else, and you will find that with practice, you can get the same effect.
When
you are looking into what your word choice says about you, take some
time to really listen to yourself How often do you hear yourself
apologizing or saying "I think" or "uh-huh." Any of these things can
mean that you are a sloppy thinker or that you are simply indecisive of
incapable. Remember that sometimes, silence is much better than
stuttering. Think about what you are going to say before you say it. If
you feel a silence stretching out, don't feel compelled to fill it;
this can get you into a rambling, indecisive speech that just looks bad!
When
you are talking, speak in declarative statements. Don't say that you
will try because that makes you sound wishy-washy, unsure or lacking in
commitment. Words like "struggle" or "need" should stay out of your
vocabulary, especially if you are talking to someone who outranks you.
Take some time to really consider what your options are when it comes
your words, and when you start using more decisive language, don't be
surprised if more doors simply open up for you!
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