Communicate with Confidence

by Jill Crossland

Language, words, sentences, tone of voice  are all things we use everyday but have you really listened to yourself recently or carefully read your last email, report or letter, do you wonder why others react to your suggestions instead of being open to discussion?

The words that you choose and how you use them speaks volumes. Words whether written or spoken are your thoughts; revealing what you think about yourself, your business and even your inner feelings of self-worth.

"It’s just a thought” & “just my two cents worth” are two self-deprecating phrases that have recently come across my desk in emails. Even if you are not feeling all that confident, be sure to phrase your words in a manner that is self-assured.  

We are smart enough to not display emotion in business but it is also important to stay away from feeling or emotionally charged words. Be clear and logical when you express yourself.

“I have no time but I had to say yes to canvass for the two charities that asked me.” We so often say one thing yet do the complete opposite and then wonder why our schedules are so full. The beginning of that statement was the crucial part; the rest is just an inability to say “no” or to accept one of the positions with well defined boundaries.

“I have issues with some of the changes that you implemented last week”
A client couldn’t understand why when she brings up things that she has “issues” with at the staff meetings everyone gets so defensive. Think ahead of time how people will react.  When she changed the word issues to “concerns” co-workers were much more open to looking at possible solutions.

“I have developed a marketing plan that will meet your requirements.”
Whether you are heading the team or are the one chosen to make a presentation, use the pronoun “We” instead of “I”. This does not diminish your role but rather strengthens it.

The right language can also pave the road to personal and professional success especially, when we stop using the word “can’t”. Use of that word especially in conjunction with a goal or dream, shuts you down and closes of any possibility of finding solutions or inspiration.

While brushing up on your vocabulary bear in mind that there isn’t always a need to fill the air with words. Listening is also a form of communication; there is also a lot to be said for silence.
 

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