Ice Chip #49

“I don’t have any idea.” Really?  Sure you do.

Remember the Ice is about eradicating the “(k)notty words”.  We have identified them as “not”, and any word with “n’t” at the end.  There are also some phrases and other words that are suspect.

For example:  “no problem”.  Why would you want to suggest there is a “problem” when it can be described as a situation?  Perhaps it is a challenging situation; it is a situation none the less.

In the Art of Articulation, the focus of Remember the Ice is to give you some empowering alternatives to allow you convey your message with maximum impact and specificity.

Here is another phrase that poses some interesting comments.  Think of how many times have you been asked a question about a new subject, or a situation you have little knowledge of; and you have responded with, “I don’t have any idea.”

Looking at this phrase, there is a suggestion that we have an idea.  How is that you say?  Well, let’s remove the (k)not, and we are left with “I do have an idea”.

When we focus on the defenestration of the (k)notty words, especially “don’t”, it is easy to see the immediate shift in the message.  Several times I have used the example of what happens when we say to our children; “Don’t you do that ever again, and this time I mean it!”

What usually happens when we say “don’t” to our children?  They usually do.

And they usually do it fairly quickly.  When we add the emphasis of “and this time I mean it”; they do it with enthusiasm!  And we wonder why they did what we wanted them to avoid doing.

Would it have been better to just say; “Please do this instead.”?  I believe so.

Whether we are using “don’t” when speaking to our children, spouse, family member, employee, client, store clerk, or anyone you can think of; the suggestion is to get rid of it.  Share with them what you would like them to do.

Defenestrate the “(k)notty words”. Develop empowering alternatives on a daily basis.  Start with the basic means of communication.  Start with your self-talk.  Imagine going the entire day without using a “don’t”. Think of all of the things you will “do” and the accomplishments you will rack up by the end of the day.

I wish you much success with this endeavor.  Let me know how this goes for you.

Empowering regards,

Bob

January 26, 2010 | Filed Under Ice Chips, RTI, The RTI Community 

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