Positive Language – A credible communication technique

Positive Language is one of the most useful communication techniques I have learnt (and I’ve spent 30 plus years learning about language and communication).

Essentially using positive language is communicating what you CAN do rather than what you CAN’T.

The Benefits of using Positive language

? It projects a helpful, positive impression rather than an unhelpful, negative one.??

? By communicating in a positive way you’re more likely to achieve cooperation rather than argument or confrontation.?

? It communicates confidence to the people on the receiving end of the communication – so increasing your credibility.

Two scenarios that illustrate ways you can use positive language

Scenario 1

Someone asks you to do something, which you can’t do immediately. It’s something you have to do as part of your job role, so you can’t say no.? However you can negotiate.

It’s now Tuesday and you know you’ll be able to do the task by Thursday.

You have two ways of responding to the request:-

First response

You frame your response negatively: “I can’t do that until Thursday?

Second response

You frame your response positively:? “I can do that on Thursday”

The second response, whether spoken or written, appears more positive, helpful and constructive than the first.? And you are offering to do the task no quicker in the second response than the first!

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Scenario 2

Someone asks you a question that you don’t know the answer to.? You have two ways of responding:-

First response

You frame your response negatively: ?“I don’t know” or “I don’t know the answer to that”

Second response

You frame your response positively:? “I will investigate”, or “I’ll find out”

The second response, whether spoken or written, gives the impression of someone who is more competent and knowledgeable, and therefore more credible, than the first response.?

Call to action

Assess how often you use positive language both in written and speaking communication.

Are there times when you don't use it?

Practice using positive language in your communication, so it gets to be a communication habit.

#kristabites #credibility #crediblehr #positivity #positivelanguage #confidence