After years of listening, responding and experimenting with ways to get a point across, I’ve put together powerful sentences that you can make your own — and be sure that others will respond in a positive way.

A single word can change your mood for better or worse. A single sentence will give you a reason to move toward or away from someone who is speaking.

You can’t lead effectively unless you communicate elegantly. I use the word “elegant” in that sense that it is used in science: the fastest way to achieve a goal using the least amount of energy. In communication, using the right words and sentences at the right time can inspire, acknowledge, intrigue, validate and include rather than exclude others.

Leadership development programs that teach platform skills must include this important area of how to craft sentences for success. This is not just to make you a better speaker. It is for you to speak about the vision of your company, to engage customers, to encourage staff, and to influence those on the board of directors.

Think of learning the impact of power words and sentences as a training program in mental and emotional martial arts. You know the saying, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” So is the spoken word.

This is an educational resource designed to help you do two things:

  1. Tap into your intuitive understanding of the power of words.
  2. Develop a list of specific sentences you can use at a moment’s notice.

Here are some examples of my own personal “idea sentences” so you can get the hang of what sounds good. You can use them and adapt them for your specific situations. Practice may not make you perfect, but it will make you more confident and capable of responding to anyone, anywhere any time.

 

 

 

Sylvia Lafair is president of Creative Energy Options, a global consulting firm. Her focus on people skills takes her to companies such as Novartis, McGraw Hill, Microsoft, family firms, and entrepreneurial companies where she helps develop solid teams and heighten productivity. Her Total Leadership Connections™ program has been named one of the top leadership programs by H.R.com. Her books include Don't Bring It to Work,  Gutsy: How Women Leaders Make Change and Unique: How Story Sparks Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement.