|
Language And Influence — Word Power |
| NLP and the
power of everyday language |
| Have you ever noticed how using
the word ‘don't’ as in
‘don't
do that,’ dramatically increases the chances your listener will do exactly
the opposite of what you ask?
|
| Or how the word
‘but’ erases
anything said directly before it and redirect the listener's attention to
whatever follows? |
| Did you realize that using
‘because’ in a request creates
an unconscious desire to comply? |
| One word can shift the meaning of a sentence
and have a profound and often unexpected influence on the way people respond to your message.
|
| If you'd like a quick experience of this,
repeat the following statements to yourself. |
|
“I want to reach my goal
but I have a
problem.”
“I want to reach my goal
and I have a problem.”
“I want to
reach my goal
even
though
I have a problem.”
|
|
Which words seemed to diminish the
importance of the problem? |
Some words
shout their importance, and we use them with care. Others are so
familiar and comfortable we toss them into any conversation, without much
thought.
Yet these words have a hidden power to increase
your influence,
easily moving people towards mutually satisfying results.
But used
unwisely, they can create road blocks and needless detours. |
| Take
‘but’ for example. How many
times have you been on the receiving
end of but? |
“I agree with you but”
or ...
“I
understand but” and everyone's favorite
...
“I'd like to help you, but” |
|
‘But’
and it's first cousin
‘however’
act like unexpected traffic lights
popping up to reverse the flow of meaning in the speaker's words and erase
everything said before them. |
|
Test this for yourself by noticing where your
attention goes as you say the following sentences. |
|
“I know she means well, but
her voice really irritates me.”
“Her voice really irritates me but
I know she means well.”
“I want to increase my language skills but
I am so busy with work.”
“I am so busy with work but
I want to increase my language skills.”
t
|
|
Notice the difference? |
Some people replace
‘but’
and
‘however’
with the word
‘and’
or
‘even though’
as you saw earlier.
‘And’ is a great choice because it is neutral or free from implied
judgment, inclusive, and implies choice.
|
Are you ready to move on? And as we do,
please
don't feel the need to check the time because I'm not suggesting you
should look at your watch now.
In fact, I would prefer it if you don't look
at your watch now. And if you're not wearing a watch I don't want to suggest
you look for the time icon on your computer screen. Please.
|
|
WordPower continues here: Also see: |
|
Taming Your Not(s)
Because! |
| For more on WordPower visit our
newsletter site: |
|
www.nlpbusinessresources.com
|
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