“You have a superpower that you might not know about: the power to make another person glow,” reports Stephanie Harrison, happiness and well-being expert, in a study she conducted.

Her study finds that we underestimate how happy someone feels after recognition.

3 phrases that pack a positive punch

“You are making a difference.” 

Don’t think, “That’s cheesy.”

Do ask yourself, “How can I encourage others in micro or macro ways?”

Examples:

• “Did you see how that team leader proudly walked out with a huge smile? You are making a difference.”
• “The money you raised at our silent auction will help fund our museum awareness campaign. You are making a difference.”

“You inspire me.” 

Ask yourself, “Who has inspired me lately?”

Harrison provides this helpful script:

Start with:

1. “You inspire me …”
2. Then add the reason why: “… in the way you show up for your team…”
3. Finally, share the impact it has had: “… and it’s made me think about how I can be more collaborative.”

Barbara Franklin’s Art Show

Example:

• “Barbara, you inspire me. You’ve embraced your passion as an artist and now you’re exhibiting at art shows. It makes me think about how I can continue to sharpen and share my passion for speaking.”

“Tell me more about that.”

Disclaimer: It’s one of my favorite phrases that I’ve blogged about before. Saying these words make you a better listener which makes you a better communicator.

Harrison adds, “Being listened to helps people feel safe, supported and acknowledged. One thing that’s guaranteed to make someone’s day: asking them to tell you more about their interests, feelings and experiences.”

To create space for others to open up Harrison suggests:

1. Find out what is important to them: “What do you do that’s meaningful to you?
2. Ask them to elaborate on their experience: “What did it feel like when you heard you’d won the deal?”
3. Invite them to go deeper: “Tell me more about how you interpreted that feedback.”

Double benefits

Emerging from the pandemic might create socially awkward moments. Use these phrases to ease your anxiety and increase your authentic conversational good will with others.

Harrison shows, “There’s a bonus in store for you: It doesn’t just make the other person glow; it ends up making you glow, too.”

It’s a win-win.

#communication   #SpeakForYourself   #KarenCortellReisman   #3SuperpowerPhrases