Communication Skills - your Words Have an Awesome Power
Communication skills: Your words have an awesome power
Your words have an awesome power.
But your words can create, or destroy, your future.
It's all about the words.
To a very large degree, your future success will be dependent on how well you communicate.
You communicate with your body and you communicate with your words. Now, I know that your body language has a lot to do with it. I know that charismatic body language and good-looks can make you attractive and even famous; but let us assume, just for the moment, that you don't look like Brad Pitt, or George Clooney or Jennifer Aniston or Naomi Campbell. Film star good looks, are not really, your thing!
Let us assume, too, that you are not gifted with an amazing natural talent: that you don't sing like Pavarotti nor dance like Fred Astaire.
Let us assume that you are like most of us, a regular looking person, better than some, in some areas, not as good as others, in other areas. Let us assume that you cannot rely on your film star celebrity status to pull you through the tough times.
So, if it is not your film star celebrity status that will pull you through, what will pull you through?
Answer: Your power of communication.
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Your power of communication
Particularly your power to use language.
Your ability to use language is your most potent tool to improve the rate of your progress.
Why?
Because words have an awesome power.
The most powerful people on the planet are the professional communicators.
President Obama is first and foremost, a professional communicator.
David Cameron is a professional communicator.
So too, was:
- Muhammad Ali was a communicator: Good with words.
- JFK was a communicator: Good with words.
- Ghandi was a communicator: Very good with words.
You, too, need to be, good with words!
Your mission, in life, is to succeed; and in order to succeed you will need additional skills.
The first skill for you to work on is your language skills
If you develop your ability to use language, in order to express your meaning in a clear, unambiguous, convincing and interesting manner, then your life path will be smoother and your progress will be more rapid.
But on the other hand, if you just blunder along, being careless in your choice of words, and if by so doing you keep creating unnecessary misunderstandings, upsets, anger, confusion, arguments and errors, then your life path will be an endless uphill struggle and your progress will be painfully slow.
How sad!
Most people never stop to consider the power that their own words have over their own outcomes
If they have a bad day, it never occurs to most people, to analyse the way they spoke to others, to see if there was anything in their own use of language, that made the bad situation, worse.
The way you use words will make an enormous difference to the final outcome of the current problematic situation that you are facing.
Be careful of what you say, and how you say it
Words have an awesome power. But it is a power to create, and to destroy.
Example of words that destroy
In a meeting last week, I heard a man, called Adam, use one word that destroyed his working relationship with his manager, a lady called Brenda. Adam called Brenda, "an idiot". And he said it in a meeting in front of the team, and he said it with a passion!
The net result was an explosion of "high energy negative emotion" that wrecked the meeting and put the project they were jointly working on, in jeopardy.
Question: Tactically, for Adam, was calling Brenda, "an idiot", an example of the "skilled use of language"?
Answer: No. Not really.
Example of constructive use of language
Here is one of the best phrases in the English language. Read it. Memorise it. And use it every day from now on.
"Thank you very much for (Blank). I appreciate it."
If a waiter brings the coffee to your table, say to him, "Thank you very much for (bringing my coffee). I appreciate it."
If the supplier delivers the goods right to the door, say, "Thank you very much, for (bringing it all the way to the door). I appreciate it."
Give people the verbal appreciation they deserve.
Here is the truth:
The lack of verbal appreciation is the cause of many conflicts
Give people verbal appreciation and praise and they will bend over backwards to be helpful.
If you fail to give verbal appreciation and praise to people who do a good job, you will notice a steady and consistent decrease in their willingness to deal with you.
People need verbal appreciation and praise, as much, if not more, than they need money.
Another example.
Good example of constructive use of language. Again, read it. Memorise it. And use it every day from now on.
"Would you please.....?"
Don't say, "Shut the door."
Do say, "Would you please,.....shut the door".
Don't say, "Polly, put the kettle on."
Do say, "Polly, would you please,.....put the kettle on".
Don't say, "Put the gun down, and step back!"
Do say, "Would you please ... Put the gun down and step back?"
All master communicators know that they need to gain the cooperative assistance of others. So the leaders are careful to be courteous.
Check the good communicators. They are courteous people. They are careful of their use of language.
All champions are careful about how they use language
If you want to be a champion, then become more careful how you use the awesome power of your own language.
Remember that, the way you use language will make an enormous difference to your final outcome.
Think about it.
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Definition: communication skills
In business, communication skills are a skill set marked by four traits: (1) uses clear, simple words that leave no doubt; (2) speaks in a polite tone that shows respect; (3) builds good will that moves others to help; (4) avoids rude or hurtful words that damage trust.
Show CG4D Definition
- Uses clear, simple words that leave no doubt
- Speaks in a polite tone that shows respect
- Builds good will that moves others to help
- Avoids rude or hurtful words that damage trust
Article Summary
Every word you speak either opens doors or slams them shut; master clear, courteous language and you turn daily talks into bridges that speed your progress, win support and shape the future you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
Why do words have such awesome power over success?
How can I stop using destructive words in meetings?
What is a quick phrase that shows verbal appreciation?
How does turning commands into polite requests improve communication?
Why does regular verbal praise boost teamwork?
How can clear language speed my career progress?
Which famous figures illustrate strong communication skills?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
In LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report 2024, 57% of learning leaders name “communication” as the most important skill they plan to build in their people this year. Workhuman and Gallup’s 2024 Employee Recognition Survey shows staff who receive sincere recognition at least once a week are 5× more likely to feel connected to their team and report 20% higher productivity.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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Further Reading in Communication - Persuasive Communication
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How to improve interpersonal communications skills
Learn 10 proven ways to sharpen your communication skills, from clear speech and active listening to calm conflict handling, persuasive words and body language.
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How to Gain Co-operation
Learn four proven steps to gain cooperation: help first, ask politely, give clear reasons and always thank others. Boost your communication skills now.
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How to be more persuasive
Learn persuasive communication with four checks: show facts, stress personal gain, map clear steps, promise ease. Turn ideas into a quick yes in any talk.
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How to change someone's mind
Learn how to change someone's mind without conflict. Use indirect persuasion, question the source, and boost influence with proven tactics from 2024 research.
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How to Negotiate Properly
Boost your negotiation skills: learn the 3-set model, avoid common mistakes, list must-haves and trade-offs, and create a clear win-win deal every time you meet
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