The Power Of Language

     Many of us fail to realize the power of the words we choose. I’m not just talking about swear words (Which I hope we all understand is not acceptable in the business world EVER, just introduce me to any successful business executive and I’ll show you someone who knows this) So rather than waste any time on this, lets all agree swearing and insults are NEVER acceptable in any business conversation and you can even go the extra step and drop them from your vocabulary all together, it will go a long way in you becoming a professional.

    What I’m actually talking about is how subtle choices in words and language can make a huge difference in how you appear to others. No, you don’t have to become an English major or whichever language you speak, but you should always strive to use proper grammar and make an effort to learn new words every day. Always use standard proper language, the type you should have been taught in school. No slang not even the most common expressions, if they are not proper language, no matter whom you are speaking with. Which person would you be most likely to do business with the person who says “Yo man, wuz up it’s mikey, long time no see” or the one who says, “Hello, how have you been it’s Michael, it’s been awhile since we last spoke”. This is an exaggerated point, however you would be quite surprised at how many try to go into business and think this is OK. Many in this opportunity call on their warm market or just above freezing if you consider how long it’s been since they have spoken to many of them. Then they start out with what’s comfortable to them and speak as in a way they did when they were last hanging out, they think their just being friendly. However, many people have grown over the years and it would do you a great benefit to show how you have as well. For this to become natural, we need to practice this in all of our everyday conversations. Are you more worried about your friends joking about the new way you speak, or making a success of your business and changing your life forever? You choose.

    Proper language shows a sign of maturity and it is much easier to gain someone's confidence by showing them that you have that maturity, especially when you're speaking to them about business. Always avoid biased or derogatory comments, this shows a complete lack of concern for others and you never know how someone will take it.  As for myself I immediately lower my expectations of what someone has to offer me, when they speak to me like they are uneducated and couldn't care less about what they say. (But, that’s just my opinion), if you don’t have enough sense to show me your concerned about how you present yourself to me, then do us both a favor and don’t waste my time.

    Also always be polite, even when conversations aren't going your way or you feel the other person is getting overly aggressive or rude. You would be amazed how you can turn a conversation around by sticking to this, no matter what is said, be the better person and remain courteous and polite. The more you practice this, the easier it will become. We are all human so don’t be upset if you can’t be perfect at this (I’m definitely not), just give it your best effort. You will get better and better at getting negative people to change their attitude when you don’t return it to them.

    In addition you should always choose positive responses to any question and keep the conversations positive. It’s all in how you look at things. For example if someone starts to complain about the economy, you can respond with yes, "But it looks like thing are getting better". You're not disagreeing with them, you’re just adding a positive spin on it. As I've explained in previous posts, positive people get positive results. We need to constantly be aware of leaving a positive feeling with people as these feelings are remembered. Even if the person you're speaking with isn't interested in what you're offering at the time, if you always leave a positive impression on them, they may just get back to you or may think of someone else who would be interested.      Hopefully for many of us this is a mute point, as most who are concerned with being in business for themselves and bettering themselves, know that this is just common sense. Unfortunately common sense is not that common anymore so I thought I would touch on this subject.

Thank you for reading and the best of luck in all your endeavors, 

+R. Michael Gonzalez
MiamiMichaelG@Gmail.com

Please ask questions or leave opinions in the comment section, as I welcome any outside opinions and will answer any questions that are made directly and honestly.

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