Here are 12 simple swaps to speak with clarity and humility:
1. When you’re unsure about instructions:
❌ I’m not sure what you mean.
✅ Could you clarify this part for me, please?
2. When giving feedback:
❌ This isn’t great.
✅ Here’s what we can improve.
3. When someone thanks you:
❌ It was nothing.
✅ Happy to help. Let me know if there’s more I can do.
4. When you make a promise:
❌ I’ll try to get it done.
✅ You can count on me to handle it.
5. When facing a challenge:
❌ This is too hard.
✅ This is tough, but I’ll find a way.
6. When offering help:
❌ Do you need something?
✅ How can I support you with this?
7. When someone makes a mistake:
❌ You messed up.
✅ Let’s figure out how to fix this together.
8. When presenting an idea:
❌ This might be a bad idea, but…
✅ Here’s an idea I’d like to share.
9. When handling criticism:
❌ That’s unfair.
✅ Thanks for the feedback, how can I improve?
10. When you’re overwhelmed:
❌ I can’t handle this.
✅ Let me prioritise and get back to you.
11. When delegating a task:
❌ Just get it done however you can.
✅ Here’s the outcome we’re aiming for…
12. When disagreeing with someone:
❌ That’s not going to work.
✅ Can we explore another approach?
Whether you realise it or not, your words have an impact.
You can either use them to empower or stumble over them…
Potentially causing a lot of unseen damage (to yourself and others).
Either way, how you use your words matters.
That’s why top performers don’t speak louder,
They speak more strategically.
Which rephrase is your favourite?
Let me know in the comments ⬇️
♻️ Repost to help your network communicate better.
And follow Chris Donnelly for more.
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It’s time to sharpen your communication:
Top performers know that good communication can:
🙌 Earn trust
🙌 Build respect
🙌 Develop influence
By the same token, the wrong words can hold you back.
If you sound uncertain, people will doubt you.
If you sound harsh, people will resist you.
The key? Confidence without ego.