Make every word count. Little words with big impact to minimise or delete.

We throw words around on auto, without thinking how this could impact what we are trying to say, or what we are asking of someone else. 2013 International Toastmasters winner Ryan Avery, talks about 11 words to delete (see below). This changed all my emails immediately. I was surprised how much i leant on “just.”

One more I would like to add to the only use it if you must list is “sorry.” The number of times I hear “sorry” said to me in a workshop, in a coaching conversation, in a meeting or on an email when it’s not required. Sorry…

Changes the balance of power it says I am right and you are wrong, what you are doing is bad and that what I am doing is good
It can get really annoying. And when you do really have to apologise it loses some of its power
It can lower self esteem

There are times when we definitely have to apologise, but for all other times stop apologising, starting thanking. Appreciation is a way more powerful tool. Some suggestions

I’m sorry I’m late, to thank you for waiting for me
I’m sorry for being so sensitive, to thank you for being accepting of me
I’m sorry I messed up, to thank you for being patient when I make a mistake
I’m sorry that you have to help me, to thank you for doing me a favour
I’m sorry for talking so much, to thank you for listening to me

Ryan Avery’s Words to Delete

When you improve your communication abilities, you increase your leadership capabilities. It is for you to delete these words from your vocabulary:

Just & Only These two words destroy your confidence and minimise what you have to offer. Check through your e-mail and see how many times you are saying these words.
Sure & Kinda We want our leaders to present themselves with confidence. Either say ABSOLUTELY or YES with 100% certainty.
Honestly & Anyway When you say these two words, it sends the signal that what you said prior to is was either not honest OR didn’t really matter.
But, If & Think Change BUT to AND. Change IF to WHEN. Change I THINK to I KNOW. Try it now in your verbal or written communication and see the difference it makes.
Yeah & Was Use YES instead of YEAH and delete the word WAS when telling stories. Tell us what IS happening, not WHAT happened. Relive don’t retell the story.