The Power of Precise Words
A random illustration by DALL-E

The Power of Precise Words

Note from Yann: ?? Hey readers! I’m Yann A?tBachir. Every week, I share practical guidance to help you grow in your career.

In today's article, the 18th in this series, I’m writing about the importance of being accurate and precise in communication at work.

As a non-native English speaker, this is something I personally struggle with, and I wanted to share how I am working to improve it.

I’m also eager to hear your advice. Please share your thoughts in the comments to start a conversation.

?? If you like this content, share it to your connections.


Clear communication powers effective teams.

Nevertheless, working in a non-native language can be more challenging.

To thrive in such an environment, intentionally improving your word choices can significantly boost your career.

Before we dive in, let me share a little about myself.

As a native French speaker, English isn’t my first language.

French is known for its beautiful, nuanced expressions. We have words for everything, from the perfect flaky croissant to the feeling of nostalgia for a place you’ve never been.

"French is the language of diplomacy." – Ernest Hemingway

However, when it comes to precise business communication, English has the edge. Its vast vocabulary allows for pinpoint accuracy in expressing ideas.

So, working internationally, I permanently have to up my English game. I am learning to choose words carefully to avoid misunderstandings and convey my thoughts with crystal clarity.

The Power of Precise Language ??

Think of your words as precision instruments. ??? When they are accurate and well-chosen, they build trust, encourage collaboration, and drive results.???

When they are vague or misleading, they can create confusion, resentment, and missed opportunities. ??

Precise communication is crucial, especially when you are working in a hybrid environment or remotely. No body language to save you there!

Lessons Learned ??

Here are a few lessons I've learned and the steps I'm taking to improve.

Create a Safe Space

As a leader of a team, my words carry weight. ???

If I’m always speaking in absolutes, my team members might hesitate to share their own ideas or challenge the status quo. ??

I’ve soften my language with words like "consider," "might," or "suggest" to create a safe space for discussion and encourage innovation.??

Express Feelings accurately

When providing feedback, accurately labelling behaviours and emotions can significantly enhance its effectiveness.

On the two examples below, the second one is more impactful and has higher chances to drive change in behaviour.

  1. "When you consistently arrive late for meetings, I am not happy."
  2. "When you consistently arrive late for meetings, I feel disrespected and exasperated about the wasted time."

I have created flashcards with a comprehensive list of emotions, their definitions, and graduation. It's like my Pokédex.

I dedicate a few minutes each day to learning new ones.

Avoid Conversation Killers ??

Overly prescriptive or absolute language can shut down conversations and create a culture of fear. ??

Instead, I focus on empathy and collaboration. ??

I use phrases like "have you thought about..." or "one way you could do it is..." to guide without stifling their creativity. ??

The Bottom Line

Clear communication is the cornerstone of effective team work. ?

By choosing your words carefully and speaking with intention, you can build stronger relationships, foster a culture of trust, and achieve remarkable results. ???

It's not just about what you say, but how you say it. ??

?? I know many of my readers are non-native English speakers, and I’d love to hear your tips on becoming more effective and precise in communication.



Note from Yann: ?? Hey folks! Thanks for reading. It was the 18h edition of the Simple Leader's Playbook.

You can support by:

  • ?? Liking the article to give it more exposure
  • ? Commenting if you have any feedback or questions
  • ?? Sharing to anyone you think it can be useful to

See you next week.

?? Subscribe to stay updated on future releases.


Pierrick Joliveau

Full time or Fractional Chief Customer Officer, From Onboarding/Implementation to Customer Success Management

6 个月

As a native french speaker myself, managing team in the USA for many years, your article resonates and reminds me of numerous experience. Thanks for putting it in a clear manner. I particularly struggle with the graduation of emotions and picking the right word for expressing it. I can be toot soft or too brutal despite my preparation and precaution. Is there any chance to get a copy of your "Pokédex" of emotions ?

Afik Aviv

Risk Manager @ Venmo | Driving Growth with Customer-First Risk Strategies | Transforming Risk into Opportunity with AI, Data & Agile Product Management

6 个月

As a leader, every word matters. What you think is just advice can be interpreted as a priority or urgent task. Precision is key.

Aman Kumar

???? ???? ?? I Publishing you @ Forbes, Yahoo, Vogue, Business Insider And More I Monday To Friday Posting About A New AI Tool I Help You Grow On LinkedIn

6 个月

Clear communication is key!?

要查看或添加评论,请登录

Yann A?tBachir的更多文章

  • Brag more at Work

    Brag more at Work

    Note from Yann: ?? Hey everyone, Yann A?tBachir here! Back with biweekly career advice to help you thrive in tech This…

    18 条评论
  • Turn Criticism into Growth

    Turn Criticism into Growth

    Note from Yann:?? Hey everyone, Yann A?tBachir here! Each week, I share practical tips to help you level up your career…

    7 条评论
  • Async Comm: Your Ticket to Hybrid Work.

    Async Comm: Your Ticket to Hybrid Work.

    Note from Yann:?? Hey everyone, Yann A?tBachir here! Each week, I share practical tips to help you level up your career…

    14 条评论
  • I Ate My Words: 10 Leadership Lessons

    I Ate My Words: 10 Leadership Lessons

    Note from Yann:?? Hey everyone, Yann A?tBachir here! Each week, I share practical tips to help you level up your career…

    20 条评论
  • My Burnout Story (and what I have learned)

    My Burnout Story (and what I have learned)

    Note from Yann: ?? Hey everyone, I’m Yann A?tBachir ! Each week, I share practical tips to help you level up your…

    10 条评论
  • When to Quit Your Job?

    When to Quit Your Job?

    Note from Yann: ?? Hey everyone, I’m Yann A?tBachir ! Each week, I share practical tips to help you level up your…

    16 条评论
  • What You Get Wrong About Team Motivation

    What You Get Wrong About Team Motivation

    Note from Yann: ?? Hey there, I’m Yann A?tBachir ! Each week, I share practical tips to help you level up your career…

    3 条评论
  • Mastering Remote Leadership

    Mastering Remote Leadership

    Note from Yann: ?? Hey there, I’m Yann A?tBachir ! Each week, I share practical tips to help you level up your career…

    4 条评论
  • Learning From Mistakes Is Overrated

    Learning From Mistakes Is Overrated

    Note from Yann: ?? Hey there, I’m Yann A?tBachir ! Each week, I share practical tips to help you level up your career…

    2 条评论
  • Ace Your Annual Review

    Ace Your Annual Review

    Note from Yann: ?? Hey there, I’m Yann A?tBachir ! Each week, I share practical tips to help you level up your career…

    8 条评论

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了