Wielding the Power of Words to Boost Your Impression
The Impact of Vocabulary and Choices
Ever met someone who leaves a lasting impression with their choice of words, even in the simplest conversations? It's not just charisma at play here. Words, their selection, and usage, especially in specific situations, can significantly sway people's opinions.
Second dates, job interviews – these are just a few instances where you want to shine positively, and using the right words is your secret weapon. If you skillfully employ technical jargon, your interlocutor will perceive you as competent and articulate.
The Familiarity of Words
So, do you have the recognized vocabulary? Brush up on your word knowledge with this curated list of words frequently used by quick-witted and intelligent folks:
| affect | affect: "It doesn't affect me" | | -------- | --------------------------------- | | imply | Include something (automatically) | | aversion | To have an aversion to something | | succinct | Term for something trivial, insignificant | | unruly | disobedient, stubborn behavior | | conversation | A casual conversation, chit-chat | | torpedo | To deliberately prevent, avert something | | adequate | appropriate, in agreement | | obsolete | Indicates that something is outdated | | redundant | Term for something superfluous, e.g. redundant letters |
Becoming Perceived as Smart
Certain phrases that resonate with your audience can help you present yourself as intelligent. It's not just about having intellectual acumen or understanding complex concepts – it's also about how you convey that understanding.
The speed of speech is as crucial as your choice of words. While speech without pauses that go on forever can put off your interlocutor, intelligent individuals use them sparingly to cultivate the impression of active thought and engagement. However, don't forget to avoid using 'um's or similar filler words, as this can give off an insecure vibe.
Pauses don't just keep your audience in check, though. They can also create an opportunity for deeper, more meaningful connections. A fleeting pause here and there invites people to express themselves, ensuring that the conversation is dynamic, focused, and engaging.
No matter how educated or knowledgeable you are, your ability to convey this intelligence successfully can make all the difference. As long as you're mindful of your word selection and speech patterns while considering your intended audience, you're well on your way to becoming a master conversationalist.
Bonus Insights
If you're looking to expand your conversational repertoire, here are a few phrases to help you navigate awkward conversations and conflicts, and create lasting, meaningful connections:
- "That sounds really important to you." - Acknowledges your interlocutor's feelings, fostering emotional safety and making them feel valued.
- "I'd love to hear more about that." - Shows genuine curiosity, makes the other person feel heard, and encourages them to share more.
- "What was that like for you?" - Invites the other person to share their personal experience and emotions, creating a deeper connection.
- "I never thought about it that way before." - Signals openness and engagement, making the other person feel valued for their perspective.
- "Tell me more." - Simple invitation that gives the other person permission to share more, deepening the conversation without pressure.
By using these phrases in your interactions, you can not only engage your audience effectively but also improve your social Intelligence Quotient (SQ).
[1] source: www.mindbodygreen.com
[4] source: Psychology Today
[5] source: Mayo Clinic
If you're interested in naturally enhancing your presentation, familiarize yourself with these stand-alone words, and use them appropriately in everyday conversation:
- standard
- dimension
- construct
- entity
- fabricate
- trajectory
- prerequisite
- graffiti
- emu
- coefficient
Using these words will make you appear even more intelligent in your conversations, making an indelible impression on your audience.
