Swing and Speak Boldly
Cautious language creates cautious followers. Cautious golf swings create hooks, slices, and errors.
Leadership communication requires conviction. Excessive verbiage, hedging and qualifiers dilute authority. At times, leaders use it to intentionally to soften harsh news. Be aware of when to use or avoid it.
What is hedging language? When we use words or phrases to soften the statement, sound more polite, or distance ourselves from the claim, our listeners may lose confidence.
Some examples of these are:
. Phrases
o “To the best of my knowledge”
o “It seems that….”
o “It may suggest that….”
. Verbs like might, could, may, would, rather than “is,” or “will”
· Adverbs like possibly, perhaps, probably, sometimes, generally, really
· Adjectives such as likely, possible, probable
· Nouns such as possibility, probability, assumption, tendency
What are qualifiers? These are words that strengthen or weaken the intensity of the message.
· Very, really, extremely
· Slightly, a bit, somewhat
· Almost, always, usually, rarely, sometimes
· Probably, possibly
Bold communication doesn’t mean aggressive delivery. It means speaking with intention, clarity, and ownership and being aware of the impact of your words. People follow leaders who sound like they believe what they’re saying.
This same conviction is required for golf. When you are cautious or think too much about your swing, you’re likely to run into difficulty. As my golf teaching professional, Nicole Weller, has taught me, think before you get up to the tee and once you step forward, swing with conviction.
Are you intrigued by the parallels of leadership communication and golf? Come to our June 20th workshop, “Power, Executive Presence, and the Ideal Swing,” led by LPGA/PGA golf teaching professional, Nicole Weller, and yours truly (Lynda Katz Wilner). Learn more about this unique program held at Compass Pointe Golf Club in Leland, NC HERE.
Think about this:
How would clearer language strengthen your influence?
How would conviction improve your golf swing?
Reach out to me at LKWilner@successfully-speaking.com to learn more about how to SPEAK, SOUND, and LOOK Like a Leader.