Almost everything we do involve words.
We use words to communicate ideas, express ourselves, and connect with love ones.
Words are how leaders lead, parents parent, teachers teach, and doctors explain.
Some words are more impactful than others. Some words are magic. The right words, used at the right time, can change minds, engage audiences, and drive action.
Rather than asking kids to "help", ask them to be a "helper" instead. You offer an opportunity. An opportunity to claim a desired identity.
Some words are more impactful than others. Some words are magic. The right words, used at the right time, can change minds, engage audiences, and drive action.
Rather than asking kids to "help", ask them to be a "helper" instead. You offer an opportunity. An opportunity to claim a desired identity.
Want people to listen? Ask them to be a listener. Want them to work harder? Encourage them to be a top performer.
Next time you need to solve a complex problem, think about what you could do (rather than should) - the word "could" encourages divergent thinking.
When trying to change the minds of people who disagree with us, we often think that it's best to be direct. We assume that if we just lay out the facts, the other side will come around to our way of thinking. Being too direct can backfire, leading the other person to become even more convinced of their initial opinion.
Next time you need to solve a complex problem, think about what you could do (rather than should) - the word "could" encourages divergent thinking.
When trying to change the minds of people who disagree with us, we often think that it's best to be direct. We assume that if we just lay out the facts, the other side will come around to our way of thinking. Being too direct can backfire, leading the other person to become even more convinced of their initial opinion.
Instead, showing that we are conflicted or uncertain makes us seem less threatening. It recognizes that issues are complicated or nuanced, which increases receptiveness.
You need to know when to express doubt, and when to express confidence. If you need to express confidence, for instance saying "I think this is the best" conveys more confidence than "This is the best, I think".
Present tense suggests that the speaker don't just have an opinion, they are relatively certain about it. Past tense, like the solution "worked" well, suggests something was true at a particular point in time.
You need to know when to express doubt, and when to express confidence. If you need to express confidence, for instance saying "I think this is the best" conveys more confidence than "This is the best, I think".
Present tense suggests that the speaker don't just have an opinion, they are relatively certain about it. Past tense, like the solution "worked" well, suggests something was true at a particular point in time.
Present tense, in contrast, suggests that something is more general and enduring. Saying something works well suggests not only that it worked well in the past, but that it continues to work well and will continue to do so in the future.
People who ask more questions are seen as more likable and fun to spend time with. Ask questions that follow up on what was just said because then you demonstrate that you listened, understood and wants to know more.
The more people know about something, the more we assume others know, and we end up communicating in ways hard to understand by using acronyms, abstractness, and other lingo.
People who ask more questions are seen as more likable and fun to spend time with. Ask questions that follow up on what was just said because then you demonstrate that you listened, understood and wants to know more.
The more people know about something, the more we assume others know, and we end up communicating in ways hard to understand by using acronyms, abstractness, and other lingo.
If you want to help people understand an idea, feel heard, or remember what was said, use a concrete language.
If you want people to think your idea has potential, use abstract language.
If you want people to think your idea has potential, use abstract language.
Uber could be described as "A smartphone app that makes it easier to get a Taxi, connecting passengers and drivers and reducing wait time".
Instead, one of the cofounders said "A transportation solution that is convenient, reliable and readily accessible to everyone".
The potential market seem much larger then, and that's important for investors.
"Magic Words" by Jonah Berger
