Want to inspire confidence and get that promotion? Use the right words. We often get carried away with language, speaking without thought, which gives the wrong impression.
Want to inspire confidence and get that promotion? Use the right words. We often get carried away with language, speaking without thought, which gives the wrong impression.
For example, you could say to a room full of people, picture a chair, and get them to describe that chair and it would always be different. Because though ‘chair’ is one word in the English language, it can be perceived in many different ways (arm chair, wooden chair, wicker chair, leather chair etc). If you said picture a ‘throne’, you’d get the same description from everyone. This is because you’re using an archetype, a word that conjures up the same image for all of us. To communicate effectively, think about the words you’re using and the pictures they create.
MAKE EVERY WORD COUNT
2 Imagine you’re designing an advertising poster that sums up this message. What image would you use? Have a go at sketching something out.
3 Now think of a slogan or catchphrase that you feel really captures the spirit of your message and write it down.
4 Finally, come up with a single, punchy key word that describes the impression you want to leave when you finish speaking.
This exercise helps you hone your message, so that you can deliver it effectively. Rather than starting with a barrage of words and information, you limit your vocabulary to capture the essence of your message. Once you have this, you can start thinking about statements which reinforce what you want to say. Remember to keep your key word in mind, and choose words that support this idea. This technique also works well when you need to have a tricky conversation with someone. It helps you focus on what you want to say, and alleviates nervous chatter.
CHANGE THE SCRIPT
