Using power words and phrases at work helps inspire a more enjoyable workplace environment for everyone. Power words help motivate, encourage and build mutually respectful relationships with team members, clients and customers. Negative words can tear down, intimidate and discourage. Pick the power ones. It’s part of good business etiquette.
You can’t go wrong with these 5 power words and phrases:
- Please and thank you. A no-brainer for good office etiquette, but how often we forget! “Thanks for filling up the copy paper tray.” “Thank you very much for dropping off the conference booklets.” And, “Would you please let me know when the board minutes are ready?” rather than “Would you let me know when the board minutes are ready?”
- I’m sorry. I apologize. We all make mistakes, usually unknowingly. It takes a person of integrity and character to say, “I’m sorry” and mean it. “I’m sorry I got the data to you a few minutes late. I apologize for the inconvenience it may have caused you.” When walking into the office kitchen for coffee, “Oops, I’m sorry I left those dishes in the sink. I had to respond to an urgent email and just forgot to take care of them.” “I’m so sorry for interrupting you. I let my words get ahead of my good manners.”
- How may I help? If a coworker is slammed, and you have a few extra minutes (or even if you don’t), ask how you can help. Going the extra mile shows you’re a team player and helps build a positive collaborative mind set. And when you’re the one trying to meet a tight deadline, the gesture will likely be reciprocated.
- Appreciate and acknowledge. Words of appreciation and acknowledgement help build relationships and rapport among coworkers. “Thank you for your work on this report. I appreciate all your research that helped the board make a wise decision on the project.” Those little “deposits” of appreciation produce a ripple effect which increases loyalty and commitment.
- Use a person’s name in conversation. Everyone likes to hear the sound of his/her own name. It makes the conversation more personal in a face-to-face or phone conversation. “Pat, thanks so much for arranging the meeting today.” “Beth, your feedback is invaluable.” “Michael, let me ask you several more questions about the training program.”
Power words and phrases help motivate and build up. Use them often in the workplace and with customers to convey an attitude of friendliness and help build rapport.
You may also enjoy readingHow Not to Annoy Your Coworkers.
Photo source: iStock
The author, Rachel Wagner, is a licensed business etiquette expert, trainer and keynote speaker. She is a sought-after resource for local and national media outlets including The Washington Post, Forbes, MONEY, Reader’s Digest and The Tulsa World. For more information, please call her at 918.970.4400 or email her at Rachel@EtiquetteTrainer.com.
FAQs
The Power of Words in the Workplace
Words are extraordinarily powerful. Used skilfully, they can generate encouragement, purpose, even peace. But used negatively, they can be weapons of conflict, confusion and fear.
What is the power of words in the workplace? ›
The Power of Words in the Workplace
Words are extraordinarily powerful. Used skilfully, they can generate encouragement, purpose, even peace. But used negatively, they can be weapons of conflict, confusion and fear.
What is a power word? ›
2 What is a Power Word? Power words are words with strong meaning that smart copywriters (as well as marketers) use to trigger a psychological or emotional response.
What are the power of words? ›
The power of words cannot be underestimated. They have the ability to shape our perception, inspire action, build relationships, and even alter the course of history. As individuals, we have a responsibility to use our words wisely and thoughtfully, recognizing the impact they can have on ourselves and those around us.
What are power words and how do you use them? ›
Power words (or powerful words) are persuasive words that smart copywriters use to trigger a psychological or emotional response. They're called “power words” because they are so persuasive that people can't resist being influenced by them!
What are some power phrases? ›
Power Phrases
- 8 Power Phrases.
- “I'm Sorry” We are all human, we all make mistakes. ...
- “Tell me More” This is an open-ended statement that demonstrates listening skills and an openness to new ideas.
- “What's Working” ...
- “How can I be of help?” ...
- “Tell me what you're hearing from customers.” ...
- “Thank you” ...
- “Here's what I can do…”
- athletic.
- hale.
- hardy.
- muscular.
- robust.
- rugged.
- sinewy.
- stalwart.
What are the twelve powerful words? Trace, Analyze, Infer, Evaluate, Formulate, Describe, Support, Explain, Summarize, Compare, Contrast, Predict. Why use the twelve powerful words? These are the words that always give students more trouble than others on standardized tests.
Why words matter in the workplace? ›
Whether they are spoken, written, or signed, words are powerful enough to change someone's life. They can uplift and inspire during times of despair; however, they can also be used to harm or discourage. This is why words are so important when working towards building relationships and workplace wellbeing.
What are the benefits of power of words? ›
Power of Words provides the foundation to empower your child to maximize the benefits of the information age. After completing our program, your child will overcome fears, boost self-esteem and confidence, improve critical thinking skills, and develop effective communication and leadership skills.
The things we say do something active in the lives of others. Our words can either empower people and make them want to press on or diminish them and make them want to quit.
What is important about the power of words? ›
Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble.” Think of the power we wield and the impact we can make if we become more intentional about encouraging our sponsored children. The right words make all the difference.
