Words That Work!
By Candy Tymson
How often have you been put-off by something that someone said to you?
It may have made you decide not to buy from that person, or perhaps you
were left feeling insulted or put down - or maybe you just felt
uncomfortable, but didn't really know why.
Using the correct words can play a major role in building rapport
whether it be with your customers or clients, fellow team members or
business associates.
Persuasive Words
Yale University considers these to be the most persuasive words in the
English language: · Easy · Results · Save ·
Discover · Guarantee · Safety · Health ·
Love · Money · Need · Proven - and the one
everybody loves to hear, You. What do you think? What words
motivate you?
If you're the type who is driven by results and success then obviously
those words "results" and "success" will
really work for you. If however you need to see evidence that a
product or service is for you then words like "results"
and "save" may seem superficial while "guaranteed"
and "proven" will make you feel more comfortable.
The key is simply to establish what is important to the person you are
negotiating with and focus on what's important to them (not what you
think they should know!)
I have won major contracts over the years simply by applying this
technique. And how do you find out what's important? You just ask!
For example, some years ago when I run a public relations agency, I was
tendering for the contract to handle the official opening of the Sydney
Harbour Tunnel. I assumed, as did the other agencies tendering, that they
would be looking for a spectacular event. They weren't. I found that out
by simply asking: "What's the most important thing to you about this
event?"
I discovered that because of the huge number of VIPS who were to be
invited they were most concerned about the handling of the logistics and
protocol. We focused on our skills in handling logistics and protocol, the
other companies focused on the bells and whistles. We won the contract.
Use of Jargon
Every industry has it - its own jargon - words that only make sense to
those who work in that industry, or department, or organisation. If
everyone knows what the jargon means it's not a problem, in fact it can
often be used to effectively build rapport. However, the inappropriate use
of jargon very quickly alienates those who aren't privy to what it means.
If in doubt - don't use it!
Avoiding Conflict
Another very powerful communication skill is the ability to give your
opinion without causing conflict or appearing to put others down. Again, a
very simple technique once you know how.
How often do you hear a discussion where someone says something like
"I agree, but ...." What is the message you get as soon
as you hear "but"? You're wrong! (And usually you are left
feeling frustrated and completely negated - right?)
One of the most powerful words I've discovered in the English language
only has three letters and yet it can bridge to express a point of view in
a very powerful and empowering way. The magic word is "AND".
Think about it. How would you feel if someone responded to your point
of view by saying:
"I appreciate what you're saying and ..... "
or "I understand what you're saying and .....
or "That's a good point and ....."
Rather than negating what the other person said (as the word
"but" certainly does), by using the word "and" you are
actually linking what they have said to express your point of view. When I
run this exercise in training programs, the results are amazing.
Participants say things like: "I find I have to think about what I'm
saying" and "I have to really listen to the other person before
I can make my point". Isn't that what true communication is all
about?
This is an effective way to express an opinion without creating
resistance or conflict. Try it … it works.
By being more aware of the words that you use, what you're actually
doing is building rapport with the other person, acknowledging their point
of view and creating an environment of mutual respect … a great way to
do business.
About the author: Candy Tymson is an expert in
business communication, based in Sydney, Australia. Her latest project is
a workshop, tape series and book on "Gender Games: Doing Business
with the Opposite Sex". Check her website for other resources on
effective communication at: www.tymson.com.au
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