Language is a powerful tool when conversing with others. Imagine yourself as a businessman. When talking to people within your field, you talk to them in the words all of you would understand. You use terms that are inherent in your field. What would you do when talking to the laypeople? Of course, you should talk to them in the words they would completely understand. Today, we will feature the top 10 phrases that will make you instantly lose a deal.
Use Words that Fit
Peppering your talk with overused clichés is a big no. When you are a leader, you should motivate your team with words that would uplift your spirit if you situate yourself in their position. Before you speak on a group, make sure that you get a sense of the vision in the room. Speak with purpose.
Top 10 Deal-Breaking Expressions
Entrepreneur listed down some of the words and phrases you should never use as a speaker, leader, or entrepreneur. These words are counterproductive, to say the least and could effectively kill the drive in your team.
1. “I’m just saying”
When you use these words, it basically reduces everything you said into just plain words. It discards the purpose behind your words.
2. “I’m entitled to my opinion”
Yes, everyone has their own opinion. Telling people this makes them think that you are defensive and you won’t budge with their ideas. This is a conversation killer.
3. “Like”
We’re afraid that we’ll never be able to remove this from our vocabulary. Although this sounds a little better than “Uhm” it still is a verbal deadwood. It gives off the idea that you aren’t ready to say what’s next.
4. “That’s how we do it right here”
This speaks of an old culture in your business. You’re effectively shutting the door on innovation’s face.
5. “Let’s not reinvent the wheel”
Just like #4, it’s not giving off the innovative-type of thinking. By saying this, it means that you just want to stay safe and not do anything that could possibly turn the industry upside down.
6. “To be honest”
This sounds genuine. This is where it all goes south. If you tell people this in the middle of your speech, people would get the idea that everything you have said in the previous sections could have been a lie.
7. “I had no choice”
Everyone has a choice, that’s a fact. If you are in a meeting about your “choice” prepare yourself to defend your choice instead of telling them to accept the choice you just made.
8. “That’s just my two cents”
ALWAYS give value to what you say. When you tell people this, you are effectively minimizing the ideas that you just said. Never downplay your ideas.
9. “I Hope”
This phrase means that you are surrendering your control. You could try and say “I will” as a better alternative.
10. “It’s not my fault”
The truth is, if you are part of the team that made the error, it’s partly your fault. This statement just lets you point the finger to another person, freeing you from guilt and accountability. Take the initiative, own up to your mistakes, and present a solution.
In Summary
Surprised how often you use these words when speaking? There are so many more phrases that you should avoid when speaking to people. By using better words in communicating, people would view you as a credible leader. This in turn leads to exponential
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