Avoid diminishers for impactful communication

Why is it important?

Every word you choose in communication has weight. Using diminishers can undermine your message and your confidence, both perceived and actual. Removing these weakeners from your vocabulary will sharpen the impact of your words; it will empower your ideas and ensure they are received with the strength and clarity they deserve. Over time, this practice boosts your credibility and the respect you get from colleagues and team members alike.

Moreover, people will be more likely to act on your words.

Explained

Think of the diminishers as the clouds in your communication universe. Do you see how everything looks grey and gloomy when the sky is covered with clouds? That's the same with the meaning of your message when you use diminishers. You can allow your words to get a brighter glow when you switch from the phrases such as “I kind of seems that…” or “I might be wrong…”.

So what if you are? Switch that to “It's possible that…” and you will see how you will instantly encourage more conversation and problem-solving around the topic in hand.

How to apply?

1. Take a sheet of paper. Write down 3 diminisher phrases you know you are using. (If you can't think of any, start by being mindful in the next meeting you have).
2. In your next meeting, replace diminishers with empowering language. Practice this switch in low-pressure situations until it becomes second nature.
3. Share the model with your team and encourage them to call out diminishers in a supportive way, creating a culture of positive and powerful communication.
4. Celebrate wins. When a team member communicates effectively without diminishers, acknowledge their skilful expression.

Some examples:

Quick Tip For the next week, challenge yourself to eliminate just one common diminisher from your communication. Each week, focus on another until your language is consistently strong and assertive. This incremental approach can lead to profound changes in how you're perceived and how you perceive yourself.