"Choose your words with care, for in the world of business communication, diplomacy is the currency that builds bridges and opens doors."
As a leader, are you struggling with handling your team tactfully?
Successful leaders use a tone and language that sounds professional yet polite as they understand that it helps encourage the team to take action and get the outcome that they desire.
These leaders know that softening their tone and using language that is not too direct or aggressive helps in sounding more empathetic towards their teams and their message will probably be better received.
Being diplomatic in business communication is crucial for building and maintaining positive relationships, resolving conflicts, and achieving successful outcomes.
Here are some techniques to help you choose your words with care:
1. Use positive language:
Frame your messages in a positive manner, focusing on solutions and opportunities rather than problems. This helps to maintain a constructive and collaborative atmosphere.
Instead of: "I don’t think this idea will work”
Say: "Let's look at other alternatives that might be more effective."
2. Avoid generalizations:
Using words like "always" or "never" when discussing someone's actions tends to be counterproductive. Instead, focus on specific instances or contexts to provide relevant feedback.
Instead of: "You always make mistakes in your reports."
Say: "I noticed some errors in the recent report. Let me know how I can help”
3. Choose neutral words:
When expressing disagreement, use words that are more objective rather than emotional. It is essential to stick to the facts.
Instead of: "You're being unreasonable."
Say: "I have a different point of view. Let me go ahead and share it with you?"
4. Use "I" statements:
When expressing your thoughts or concerns, using "I" statements helps soften the conversation as it avoids sounding accusatory.
You could use phrases like, "I believe," "I think," or "I feel" instead of making assumptions about the other person. This helps reduce finger pointing and blaming.
Instead of: "You're wrong about this."
Say: "I have a different viewpoint based on my experience. Can we discuss this?"
5. Use modal verbs as language softeners
Using these softeners can help maintain a polite and respectful tone in diplomatic language, fostering positive communication and reducing the likelihood of conflict. The following modal verbs can be used:
Could:
"Could you please provide more details about your requirement?"
"Could we consider an alternative to this?"
Would:
"Would it be possible to schedule a meeting to discuss this further?"
"Would you mind reviewing the document before finalizing it?"
May:
"May I suggest considering another approach?"
"May I add to the conversation?"
Might:
"I was wondering if you might be available for a brief call to discuss this matter."
"We might need to reevaluate our strategy in the given situation."
Can:
"Can we work on completing this by tomorrow?"
"Can you please provide additional information for your requirement?"
Would you mind:
"Would you mind letting us know your availability next week?"
"Would you mind reviewing the proposal and sharing your thoughts?"
These examples serve as a guide, but it's essential to adapt them to the specific context and individuals you're communicating with. Customizing your language to fit the situation will help you maintain diplomacy and nurture positive relationships.
Varsha Samtani
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION COACH
Varsha is an executive communication coach whose specialty is working with leaders to improve performance and engagement through better communication.
She comes with a rich corporate experience of ten years of training in the field of communication. Varsha has worked with entrepreneurs, professionals, and senior managers and helped them advance in their careers by helping them overcome their limiting beliefs and scale greater heights. Her approach is highly personalized and her programs are customized to each client.
She is a qualified TEFL / TESOL trainer, Emotional Intelligence Coach, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Practitioner, Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner and certified counsellor.
To know more about Varsha visit, www.thewinningimpression.com/about/
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