The Power of 'But': Leveraging Psycholinguistics in Your Communications

Welcome to my newsletter. Here, I share insights to help leaders communicate more effectively with themselves and others, so they can truly harness their influence.

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Language shapes our reality, influencing how we perceive and interact with the world. One word, in particular, carries significant weight in conversations: "but." This seemingly simple three-letter word can alter your message significantly. By leveraging the principles of psycholinguistics, we can master the power of "but" to enhance your communications.

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Understanding Psycholinguistics

Psycholinguistics explores the interconnectedness between words and their influence on human behavior (ours and others). By understanding the underlying mechanisms, we can use language more effectively to achieve desired outcomes.

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The Role of ‘But’

?The word “but” serves as a breaking point in a sentence. When adding a “but,” the brain automatically eliminates the first part of the sentence to focus on the second part – the message following it.

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How Not to Use the Word “But” in Your Communications

?Consider the difference between these two statements:

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1.?????? “You did a great job on the project, but I think we can do better.”

2.?????? “You did a great job on the project, and I think we can do better.”

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In the first example, the positive feedback is diminished by the introduction of the criticism. The “but” negates the initial praise, leading the listener to focus more on the criticism. In contrast, the second example uses “and,” which maintains the positive tone while still acknowledging the potential for improvement – leaving room for continued conversation, exploration, and brainstorming.

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How to Use “But” in Your Communications

?Consider this statement:

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1.?????? “We didn’t get the results we wanted on this project, but next time we’ll do xyz.”

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When placing the “but” after an event we do not want our listener to focus – or dwell - on, we get to direct the conversation toward a more positive potential while still acknowledging an undesired outcome.

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Psycholinguistic Takeaway

There are no words to ‘not use’ in our communications. The goal is to select the words and structure our sentences with greater intentionality to get the outcome we desire. Unfortunately, too many use words as a simple collection of letters without considering the impact and influence they have.

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Conclusion

?The word "but" is a powerful tool in communication, capable of shaping perceptions and influencing outcomes. By leveraging the principles of psycholinguistics, we can use "but" strategically to enhance our interactions. Understanding the impact of this small word allows us to communicate more effectively, nurturing better relationships and achieving desired results.

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Test it out and let me know how it goes!

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Sara

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