Watered down messaging

We all do this one habit, even me, that detracts from our confidence index.

Adding in these two words appears harmless and, well, honest. You are saying what you think based on your data, circumstances and instinct. “But as CNBC Make It contributor Lorraine K. Lee explains, overuse of these two well-intentioned words can ‘diminish your presence and undermine your confidence.’”

Thank you, Dr. E. Michael Reisman, for sending me this CNBC article. It struck a nerve!

► It’s the “I think” statements.

• 🙃 My weak-ish sentence: “I think becoming an accidental weekend rancher has been the best thing I’ve never wanted!”
• 🙂 Stronger sentence: “Becoming an accidental weekend rancher has been the best thing I’ve never wanted!” ***

“I think” can make your well informed opinion appear hesitant, like a passing thought.

Lee adds, “It’s easy for a message to get watered down with filler words and passive phrases, many of which we use on a daily basis.”

She lumps “I think” with “just”, “sorry” and “maybe” – all culprits that lessen rather than strengthen your message.

A better speaking habit

1️⃣  Try swapping “I think” for “I recommend”. It’s more action oriented.

• 🙃 Weak-ish sentence: “I think you should try this Thai restaurant”.
• 🙂 Stronger sentence: “I recommend you try this Thai restaurant.”
• Lee also suggests that if you are not all that confident then add in, “From my experience, I’d recommend xyz…”.

2️⃣ Listen for when/where those “I think” statements pop out of your mouth.

3️⃣ Find a verbal clutter accountability partner and work on this together.

4️⃣  Pause before speaking, which gives you time to make mental swaps.

5️⃣  Eradicate this passive phrase when typing texts and emails.

Bottom line

► Be intentional vs going on autopilot.

► Clear communication is about what you don’t say as much as what you do say.

*** Star Ranch, our weekend getaway 100 miles west of Dallas, continues to be the best thing I never wanted!!