I would like to explore how your results can be improved by correctly using positive and negative words in your written communication.

People tend to remember the first and last words you say. Therefore, the two most impactful sentences of your writing should have positive connotations, and those sentences are the ones you use to open and close.

This may be harder than you think if you are not conscious of what you are writing. ABC News recently reported that negative words dominate our language. In fact, “Half of all the words that people produce from their working vocabulary to express emotion are negative. And 30 percent are positive and 20 percent are neutral.”

When someone starts to read a document that begins with a negative sentence, such as “I am unhappy with the service your company provided,” the reader becomes defensive. Even if the service was poor, you are likely to get a better response when you influence the reader with positive words in the beginning.

Using the same example, you could change it to say, “I understand your company is extremely busy because of the wonderful products your provide. Unfortunately, the service I received was horribly slow and rude which was a huge inconvenience for me.” Another posisitve opening is, “Thank you for taking a moment to read this document and for your support in resolving the following issue.”

Secondly, when a reader finishes a document, and it closes on a negative note, it sets the emotional stage for the reader. You leave them feeling emotionally upset or angry and they are less likely to be willing to fulfill your request.

For instance, writing, “I demand that this problem be corrected or I will contact your manager,” is full of threats and negative connotations. You will be more effective if you change it to, “I believe that this instance was an oversight and rare occurrence and would appreciate a prompt response.”

An effective technique is what I like to call “The Sandwich Method.” Here is how is works: Open with a positive statement or paragraph, then go into your negative points middle of the document. Use specific examples of what happened and exactly what you would like to see happen. At the end close it up again with a quick sentence or sentiment such as, “I appreciate you time in looking into this matter. Please contact me at such, as such, phone number or by email,” and give them the action that you would request.

Here is a quick tip: Opening and closing with the words “thank you” is a super powerful approach in writing.

Be positive in all of your communications, especially in writing, because it will be around for years to come as a living proof of that particular moment when you pushed the send button or dropped it in the mail. Even better though, you are more likely to get you desired results!

Be Free!

Ken Budka
Training Coordinator

Source:
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/DyeHard/story?id=460987&page=1