The words we choose to use, the tone we take: they all speak volumes about us, revealing our world view, our perceptions and interpretations of life and circumstances. Since the frames we pick powerfully impact the outcome of the conversations we have, it behooves us to choose well, favoring those that serve us. Below are examples of putting positive spin on some common negative statements, per online writing tool Grammarly:
| NEGATIVE | POSITIVE |
| I have no idea how to do this. | I am trying to figure out how to do this. |
| This report is terrible. | This report could be better. |
| I can’t do anything right. | I need help to do this right. |
| We’re never going to get this done. | We’re going to need more time to get this done. |
| Bob has no idea what he’s doing. | Bob has yet to learn what he’s doing. |
Closing Quotes:
“Communication works for those who work at it.” – John Powell
“In many ways, effective communication begins with mutual respect, communication that inspires, encourages others to do their best.” – Zig Ziglar
“Words are singularly the most powerful force available to humanity. We can choose to use this force constructively with words of encouragement, or destructively using words of despair. Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble.” – Yehuda Berg
Above from WSJ article by Rachel Feintzeig https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-pessimists-guide-to-embracing-positivity-11674431476?mod=life_work_major_2_pos7
As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier