You by itself isn't necessarily bad. But if there's a tinge of anger, annoyance or distrust going into it, that can seem and could be interpreted in a negative way. You is such a simple word. It makes us feel much more in control. Like we have agency. We're in the driver's seat. I'm choosing not to do this thing, not because I'm being constrained externally but because I made the decision. Even a simple word like don't rather than Cant can help take control and give us that agency.
Almost everything we do – personally and professionally – is affected by the words we use.
They help us build relationships, persuade others, and communicate feelings. But what if I told you that 6 types of words were better at doing those things than all the others?
These findings are at the heart of Jonah Berger’s latest book, Magic Words: What to Say to Get Your Way. Jonah is a bestselling author who’s studied millions of words used in all kinds of settings. And he’s found that certain words hold the key to getting your way.
Whether you want to be more effective in achieving your goals or just become more aware of how you’re coming across, this book is for you.
Episode Links
3 Rhetorical Techniques to Increase Your Impact
How Language Shapes Word of Mouth’s Impact
Don’t Just Vote Be a Voter
This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
The Team
Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.
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