Certain words and phrases have surprising power to influence your listener and are particularly helpful at getting the desired response.

“They increase our effectiveness in communicating clearly and up our ability to get what we want,” says famous writer Wendy Capland.

Let’s try some phrases Capland suggests and see if they make a difference:

1. What I heard you say is …

People are more likely to listen to you if they feel they themselves have been listened to.

2. Help me understand …

Rather than jumping to the conclusion, you’re wisely pausing to get all the facts.

3. Would you be open to the possibility …

It softens the request and allows the listener to take the next step.

4. My request is …

The more specific you are about what you want and when, the likelier you are to get it.

5. I’m not sure, but let me get back to you in …

Much better than “I don’t know. Let me think about it.”

Read more here.

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