Word Power

I had coffee today with someone I'd recently met at a networking event here in Seattle. Her name is Marian York, and she is an international speaker on communication - and quite an amazing person.

The topics of language and communication intrigue me for several reasons.

1. My brother Alan is a professor of English at Boston College. My brother, Brian, is an associate professor of English, at University of Maryland. There were five kids, and we grew up at the lower-end of middle class. While we didn't have a lavish, materialistic childhood, we always had tons of books to read and discuss. I enjoyed reading dictionaries, (yes, from front to back) - also encyclopedias, and all the fiction and biographies I could find. Trips to the Lake City Library in Seattle were as commonplace as trips to the grocery store. I remember the excitement for the arrival of the Bookmobile that came to school once a month or so, and the summer book clubs that I couldn't wait to join each year. Words have been a part of our upbringing.

2. I'm fascinated that we can all choose any words - ANY!! - when we meet someone or give a presentation. Why do we choose the words we choose? Do you ever think about what you say? Are you open to learning new ways to incorporate more powerful words into your vocabulary?

3. Communication is one of the pillars of leadership, and in coaching sales teams - leadership is crucial.

Here are just a couple of concepts from Marian -- visit her website - Word Power - and learn more:

Proactive WORDpower™… Turning Complaints Into A Solution. "What is it I DO want!" and "What can I DO to get it!". People must learn how to master their attitude and how to turn complaints into solutions; training people to identify and reframe commonly used negative expressions from every area of life. Learning to change what they DON’T want…problems, lack of time and confusion…into what they DO want…solutions, ample time and clarity.

The Art Of Appreciation… Selling Yourself From The Inside Out. The Art of Appreciation teaches three elements of healthy self-esteem and nurtures the human potential by showing people how to identify and trust in all of their personal assets. It teaches people how to cultivate a mind set of success by learning how to graciously receive and express praise and appreciation.