When I say watch your language I’m not talking about swear words. In fact, it can be great to include swear words in your copy if that’s the type of person you’re trying to attract, and it’s who you are. No, what I’m talking about here is the negative language we use when talking to ourselves, or the language we use talking to our clients.
Negative language comes in many forms. It can be as simple as the choice of words because of the connotations they have. For instance, entering into a contract sounds so much more legal and ominous than making an agreement, yet they’re the same thing.
Recently I completed some training webinars and a few mentioned they were disorganised. I challenged them on it. They were not disorganised. They have particular issues with organisation but it doesn’t mean they’re a ‘disorganised person’.
Watch out for words which generalise and distort making us think badly of ourselves. Words like always and never should rarely be in our vocabulary. I never succeed. I never win. Putting into your subconscious you don’t win may mean you don’t put in as much effort. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
When talking to yourself, or a client, stop and think how does that read or sound? Is there a way I could change the wording which could change the outcome?
I’ll leave you with this quote from a movie about the word try. Ideally remove ‘try’ from our vocabulary because it gives us a get out free clause.
“Trying is having the intention to fail. You gotta scrap that word from your vocab. Say you’re gonna do it and you will.” I Love You, Man. Character – Sydney (Jason Segel)
Jane Tweedy | 0490 102 194 Western Sydney Business Centre [email protected]
