Limitless Monday – How to Speak Like a Leader Not a Loser

Limitless Monday – How to speak like a leader not a loser

I have noticed a new phrase that everyone seems to be using these days: “Leveling up.” It appears that anyone who utters these words believes they sound intelligent. They were probably right until the Uber driver and the janitor started using the same phrase.

I notice there are a few expressions I use regularly, including, “To be honest,” “I think,” or “With all due respect.” After being bombarded on Instagram for courses on how to speak like a leader, I began thinking about how I speak.

In life we generally blurt out whatever comes into our mind. Instead what we should be doing is forming effective speech habits. This involves replacing some of our often used phrases which are blah with hard hitting or standout expressions which will raise an eyebrow and make you sound more expressive and intelligent.

Using descriptive upbeat words can also change your mood and your outlook on life.

If someone says, “How was your weekend?” and you reply with, “ok,” notice how your mood either sinks or stays on its existing low plateau. If on the other hand you reply with, “F**king fantastic!” notice how your mood will automatically spike.

Here are a few words to start using in place of unoriginal expressions.

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Rather than saying “amazing” use “genuinely impressive,” “remarkable,” or “exceptional.”

Swap, “By the way” with, “While we’re on the subject.”

Stop saying, “To be honest.” Drop it entirely and just say, “I don’t agree.”

Also try to avoid phrases everyone seems to be using, “Leveling up” being one of them. “I got you” is another. The latter was a popular phrase in prison, however, my interpretation of that helpful sounding expression was the opposite of its intended meaning. Whenever the African American gangbanger told me these words, I knew that as soon as I was out of his line of vision he would have forgotten all about me and my problem! I was rarely surprised.

Instead of saying, “Should be fun,” say “It will be fun.” It’s similar to saying, “I think.” It leaves doubt for a different suboptimal outcome. Be positive in your speech. Rather than say, “I think,” use, “This is what I know,” “I believe,” “I am confident that,” or, “I would suggest.”

The above is not an exhaustive list. Your task is to work out which phrases you overuse and find better alternatives or drop them all together.

Work on widening your vocabulary. Read more. Write down words you hear or read and don’t know the meaning of and then try to incorporate these into your vocabulary. Don’t imitate others. Figure out what qualities you require in order to achieve your goals and then mold yourself into that person. Your language is going to be a determining factor in achieving your future success so start now.

Happy Monday!

Banner Image: Speaking like a leader. Image Credit – Jametlene Reskp