We are constantly being evaluated in every aspect of our lives and we can choose to control how others perceive us by our choice of words and our body language.  People speak to themselves at a rate of 200 words per minute and we are constantly giving cues to what we are thinking.  The practice of motivating others through positive communication will draw others towards you and make you stand alone.

The first key to positive communication starts with reframing.  This process involves rephrasing a negative comment or statement into something positive that is non-threatening.  Three phrases I have learned to help reframe from negative comments are: yet, up till now, and in the past.  This is a very important leadership practice for young individuals aspiring to be great.  If you are building others up you are putting off a vibe that becomes contagious and others want to be around. 

On a daily basis we are flooded with negative energy which can also be contagious.  If you watch the news you may get a story or two within the hour that is actually positive.  It is difficult to have a positive perspective if everything we hear is negative.  Sometimes we need to choose to be deaf to negative input.  Becoming aware of how you interact with others will help you realize how to improve.  Consider carrying a journal around and track your interactions throughout the day in order to grasp an understanding of how well you perform.

Lastly, we want to avoid using “ums” and “ers” and we should eliminate these from our vocabulary.  The best way to by time when communicating is to pause. Rather than fumbling your words consider pausing and grabbing your words prior to speaking. Mastering this concept can be the single most significant tool in communication. When you pause, you will be sending a message to your listener and also gaining their attention.

CRUX: Reframe from using negative remarks and master single most significant communication tool.

“Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.” -Plato

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