This morning while watching the news about Hurricane Sandy on TV, a Weather Channel anchor was describing a view of the storm from the International Space Station. She mentioned the image showed the “impact” of the storm. However, the image, while dramatic, showed NOTHING of the impact of the storm, such as loss of life and property. While the word she chose wasn’t WRONG, A BETTER word might have been “scope” or “size” or “breadth”, as I believe that twas the intent of her comment.
Too often we diminish the power of communication by not using the best word choices. If you are selling, you are playing the a game dependent upon the law of large numbers. To maximize your effectiveness you must choose and use the right words the right way!
Ten Suggestions For Clear And Persuasive Communication
- Chose the right word. Pay attention to your vocabulary. Author Rudyard Kipling characterized words as “the most powerful drug used by mankind.”
- Use common language; lose the industry jargon and acronyms.
- Use the word “You” more than you use the word “I”.
- Use words and terms the other person uses often in everyday conversation.
- Have others review or edit your written communications.
- Be clear and direct.
- Don’t be too formal or too wordy.
- Use “Persuasive Words” when selling.
- Be respectful with your language.
- Use paraphrasing and feedback loops.
Work Hard & Have Fun!™
The “Keywords” suggested in the Kolbe Wisdom are NOT a minor point to be mentioned casually. Words have meaning, and the words that are instinctive to the Kolbe Action Modes are critical in understanding the Modes and the various MO’s. In addition, when we speak in our instinctive, conative voice, our communications and outcome improve.
Our “choice” of words can certainly be said to be affective, and we communicate best when we speak instinctively. However, I suggest by CHOOSING to consider word choice, we FOCUS upon communicating and acting in our instinctive best voices.
How do other KCC’s use Conative Keywords in explaining and applying Kolbe Wisdom to and for the benefit of those we serve? Your thoughts?
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