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Discover the power of language with rhetoric exercises
Talk better - arrive better. Use these 15 phrases to quickly and easily improve your rhetoric.
What is the secret of those people who always achieve what they want and convince others jerkily? Quite simply: you master the rhetoric. We'll show you how to learn that too and introduce 15 phrases that allow you to use the power of language.
A single term can completely change a sentence. Words can seal careers, destroy relationships, decide on success or failure, motivate or hurt. Language is perhaps the most powerful instrument for manipulating a person without violence or money. Because words program our psyche unnoticed and awaken certain emotions. The art of speech is rhetoric.
Today, this power of language is more important than ever, especially in politics: the inventor of "Yes, we can!", Barack Obama's former speechwriter Jon Favreau, was the best-paid man in the White House - after the US president himself. Researchers have also embraced the power of language - and found startling connections. Often it is not the words themselves that act negatively. It depends on how they are used. Using the example "already", the different meanings become clear: "I've already done that" means something has already been done. On the other hand, there is doubt in the sentence "You'll do it".
Also, tone, facial expressions and gestures decide on the effect of our words. We are always exposed to a flood of emotions in conversations: While our left brain is constantly analyzing the "what", the right focuses on the "how". There are always the four feelings of "well-being", "grief", "anger" and "fear" in the game, as a study by neuropsychologists at the University of Ghent shows. Our brain examines each spoken word on its emotional message.
This is precisely what makes words powerful - positive and negative. But even more: the very sound of certain concepts can cause a reaction in the mind - and not only in the areas that process speech. Researchers from Jena were able to prove that terms such as "tormenting", "grueling" or "plaguing" activate the pain centers in the brain - and are processed there just like a needle stick. Language thus carries far more than mere messages. And nobody can escape their subtle power. Just as you use the power of words to express yourself, which phrases you can use to improve your rhetoric, and which ones you can better remove from your vocabulary, read here.
Good for the rhetoric : 15 phrases that help immediately
With these formulations you gain attention, recognition and improve your assertiveness.
1 something engagement
"May I help you?" - who cares and cares, increases his self-esteem and acquires the gratitude and respect of the people who feel perceived.
2 "and" instead of "but"
You like the suggestion of a friend. They say, "That's good, but you have to ..." Recognition is relativized. Connect the recognition with a concrete desire. Better: "That's good, and if you change a little thing here ..."
3 "we" instead of "me"
A "we" conveys togetherness and belonging. Our brain produces the happiness hormone dopamine when we feel part of a group. Therefore, a speaker who addresses his audience in the we-form will receive positive feelings.
4 "Immediate" & "fast"
These words act like a drug on our head. Researchers from the University of Georgia used brain scans to prove that the very prospect of immediacy makes our subconscious rejoice. Consequence: We better evaluate an offer that we can have immediately - even if it is not more advantageous.
5 Recommend instead of guessing
Something to recommend always has a positive influence. Because the word "recommendation" leaves the other person the choice to accept it. A "piece of advice", however, we connect with a raised index finger.
6 "more", not "a bit"
You increase the efficiency of your words, if you delete the phrase "a bit" from your everyday language and thus also from your consciousness. Because "a little bit" shows lack. Example: Do you have more time a little or just want more of it? Then say so too.
7 "Thank you!"
Psychologists advise to be grateful every day. Just dealing with the positive things in life leads to the release of happiness hormones in the brain. But gratitude is good not only for you, but for others who feel appreciated. Therefore, tell your counterpart more often: "I am very grateful to you."
8 Offer an alternative
Your boss wants to have the final report before closing time? Say: "Is it enough for you ..." For instead of a simple "That's not possible" or "I can not do that" make a solution that will give you more air and will also satisfy your boss.
9 Clarify the view
Make it clear in discussions that your statements are your personal opinion, such as: For example, precede a "From my point of view ...". So you corner no one, as it is about utterances like "I have to correct you". That gives you respect - an ideal basis for further discussions or negotiations!
10 Her with the "will"
Get rid of the "must" by simply saying "I'll" or "we want" instead. Because "must" puts pressure, even if you say it out of habit. In addition, "must" comes from the outside. Anyone who says so invites others to get involved and robs them of their own motivation - and needs more energy to reach their goals.
11 "Yes" is the magic word
Almost reflexively we get a "yes" over the lips, if something corresponds to our views. Good speakers make their point by presenting general statements that we can easily agree with. Gradually they become more concrete. Our brain is already in Yes mode. Who contradicts, would have to take back earlier statements.
12 Dear with reason
"Because" and "due to" serve our desire for explanation. A psychological experiment in an office proves that in 93 percent of cases, even such an absurd justification as "May I, because I have to copy?" sufficient to successfully penetrate. With "because" and "due, " our brain immediately switches to approval. Therefore, in public transport in case of delays often contentless justifications sound like "due to a technical problem". We hear them - and are satisfied.
Share 13 feelings
Research has shown that listeners understand better what we want to say when we call our feelings to what we have said. For example, "I'm glad that ..." or "I'm looking forward to ...". So, what do you think about the content that you want to make tasty for others?
14 "Well done!"
"Hats off, you have done great" - praise your fellow human beings in conversations calmly for their achievements and ideas or distribute compliments. That creates trust and makes you sympathetic. Experiments show that we always respond benevolently to adulation - and we like to do our "patron" a favor.
Name 15 names
The own name lifts the other out of anonymity. Anyone who appeals to a person by name increases their chances of success with authorities, companies or in everyday life. Not only does his name "sound good", it also stands for a good reputation that needs to be defended.
If you avoid these 15 language sins now, nothing really can go wrong.
Author: Marcus Duroldt / Susanne Schulz
