Effective Use of Power Words

Your words hold incredible power. They are a mirror to your mindset. And as a Fortune 500 leader, I've seen firsthand how words can elevate your career. Channel their power to: →Fuel your ambition →Build your confidence →Turn your vision into action Use these powerful reframes to positively impact your journey: ❌ "I'm stuck." (feel trapped) ✅ "I intentionally create opportunities." (endless possibilities) ❌ "I'm lost." (directionless) ✅ "I'm strategically uncovering my true path." (curiosity) ❌ "I don't know where to start." (indecision) ✅ "Every step I take gets me closer to my goal." (proactive action) ❌ "I don't have time." (lack) ✅ "I prioritize what matters." (intention) ❌ "I'm scared to change jobs." (fear) ✅ "I seek out roles that advance my leadership." (evolve) ❌ "I'm too old to change." (self-limiting beliefs) ✅ "My expertise drives new ideas." (leverage experience) ❌ "I'm not challenged." (feel underutilized) ✅ "I'm seeking roles that stretch my capabilities." (actively seek growth) Your words shape your mindset and dictate your career growth. They have the power to unlock doors, tear down barriers, and pave your way to success. →Align your words with your goals →Intentionally craft your words to mirror your vision →Embrace language that shows your ambition and propels you forward Remember Your narrative can create opportunity or limitations. Let yours shape the future you want.

A few words nearly cost me a deal. I thought I was being polite. Friendly. Respectful of their time. But what I said came across as vague, uncertain—and maybe even a little desperate. I had emailed a prospect with: “Just checking in to see if you had any thoughts…” Nothing. No reply. Later, on a call, they told me: “We weren’t quite sure what you were asking for—it felt more like a gentle nudge than a clear next step. In the meantime, we connected with another partner.” That moment stuck with me and changed everything. Since then, I’ve become much more intentional about the language I use and how even small changes can have a big impact. Am I perfect? Definitely not. But I’ve learned that the right words can shift how we’re perceived and how effectively we connect. Here are a few common phrases that may be quietly working against us—and what to say instead: 🔴 “Just checking in / Circling back…” ✅ Try: “I wanted to follow up with something that might support what you're working on.” 💬 Example: “You mentioned [pain point]—I found [insight/case study] that might help as you navigate [challenge].” 💡 Why it works: You’re bringing something to the table—not just asking for attention. 🔴 “Would you be open to…?” ✅ Try: “Could I ask for your help with…?” 💬 Example: “Could I ask for your help in connecting with a few of your peers in other divisions?” 💡 Why it works: It’s confident, respectful, and moves the conversation forward. 🔴 “Feel free to…” ✅ Try: “Here’s my availability—let’s find a time that works for you.” 💬 Example: “Would next Tuesday or Thursday work for a quick touch base?” 💡 Why it works: You’re making it easier to say yes—and showing you're serious. These changes are subtle—but powerful. Words matter. In sales, they can build trust… or create distance. The good news? With a few thoughtful swaps, you can shift from chasing to leading. Ring my bell 🔔 to make sure you see my posts

Your stress response is killing your reputation. 12 phrases that command respect instead: I used to think pushing through stress was strength. But the way I spoke in those moments? - “I can’t do this” - “This is too much” - "I'm not sure what to do next" It didn’t just reflect how I felt. It shaped how others saw me. And chipped away at my credibility. What you say under pressure matters just as much as what you do. 12 power phrases that change everything ⚡️ 1) ❌ Don't say: "I can't handle this right now" ↳ Say: "I need to focus on one thing at a time to do good work" ↳ Square shoulders while speaking. Shows capability, not collapse. 2) ❌ Don't say: "This is too much" ↳ Say: "Which of these needs to be done first?" ↳ Place hand on desk. Anchors racing thoughts instantly. 3) ❌ Don't say: "I'm completely overwhelmed" ↳ Say: "I want to do this right, so I need to be realistic about timing" ↳ Slow breathing to 4 counts. Steadies voice naturally. 4) ❌ Don't say: "I'll try to get it done" ↳ Say: "I can finish this by Thursday if we move the other deadline" ↳ Look directly at speaker. Turns uncertainty into negotiation. 5) ❌ Don't say: "I'm stressed out" ↳ Say: "I need some quiet time to get this done well" ↳ Adjust posture. Physical elevation shifts mental state. 6) ❌ Don't say: "I don't know where to start" ↳ Say: "Give me 15 minutes to get organized and I'll be on track" ↳ Take a water sip. Breaks panic cycles instantly. 7) ❌ Don't say: "I didn't have time" ↳ Say: "I was finishing the Johnson project first. I can get to this next" ↳ Uncross arms. Shows receptiveness, not defense. 8) ❌ Don't say: "I'm behind on everything" ↳ Say: "I'm checking what's most urgent so nothing important falls behind" ↳ Lower voice slightly. Commands authority in challenges. 9) ❌ Don't say: "This wasn't my fault" ↳ Say: "Let's focus on fixing this rather than what caused it" ↳ Small nod while speaking. Shows confidence in next steps. 10) ❌ Don't say: "Why is this happening to me?" ↳ Say: "What's the biggest problem we need to solve first?" ↳ Turn chair toward speaker. Breaks victim mindset instantly. 11) ❌ Don't say: "I'll have to work all weekend" ↳ Say: "Let's decide what absolutely needs to be done by Friday" ↳ Brief pause before responding. Creates space for strategy, not reaction. 12) ❌ Don't say: "I just can't think straight" ↳ Say: "I need 10 minutes of quiet to come up with the best plan" ↳ Feet firmly on ground. Signals stability to your brain. Your next high-pressure moment is coming. Your response is a choice. Make it intentional ✨ Which phrase transforms your next overwhelm moment? -- ♻️  Repost to help your network stay calm under pressure 🔔 Follow Dr. Carolyn Frost for more strategies to handle overwhelm with grace