It is often easy, especially in high-pressure or stressed situations, to fluff your words and make a fool out of yourself.
Finding the right words to explain your opinion or outlook on a situation in the work environment can be difficult – especially if you have to remain diplomatic with your employees.
Darlene Price, an entrepreneur and president of Well Said Inc thinks poorly chosen language can have an effect on your credibility and work opportunities.
She explained: “Words matter. They are a key component of persuasive communication. Regardless of the audience, topic, or industry a leader uses language to influence someone's mind in order to achieve a certain result. That's one reason they're seen as leaders; their words compel people to follow.”
Speaking to Business Insider, she explained there was one word that you should not use if you want to instil confidence in your colleagues – and that is “try.”
Ms Price continued: “The word 'try' implies the possibility it may not get finished, which can put doubt in the mind of your boss."
Instead of saying “try”, Ms Price suggests saying “Yes, I will get it finished” or “I will have it on your desk by 9am.”
She said anyone who cannot finish a piece of work on time should simply explain the situation to their boss and ask for an extended deadline.
