Using These 7 Inspiring Words Can Have A Positive Result On Other People's Reactions

The words we use can have a massive effect on our behavior and other people's reactions. Using motivational words can make a big difference in our lives.

Words matter. The language we use illustrates the way we experience the world. Our words can affect how other people see us. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to make our words more efficient, and it just involves knowing the right motivational words to use.

Here are seven inspiring words that you can use to make a positive impact on yourself and other people.

1. ‘Imagine’ helps others understand your perspective

It's maybe the most amazing of all motivational words. It allows you to verbalize your most creative ideas and dreams. So, if you want somebody to understand what you're trying to tell them, then ask them to imagine a scenario.

Using your imagination involves several regions of your brain, and so it can have more impact than using words alone. The creative pictures you make in your head are also more memorable than descriptions.

When you ask somebody to imagine something, you also include them in the process and let them be part of what you're trying to say.

2. “Could” boosts creativity when you use it instead of “should.”

That also happens with the word “would.”

Researchers have discovered that using the word “could” instead of “should” makes you sound more creative and happier. Using “should,” on the contrary, keeps you stuck in old patterns. “Could” keeps you open to possibilities. Also, when we think about what we should do, it often makes the task seem like a chore. When we use “could,” it makes us feel more in control of our lives.

“Have to” and “choose to” work similarly. When we feel like we should do something, it feels like a burden. But flipping our thinking and understanding why we are choosing to do something can make us feel more positive about it.

3. “If” improves your performance when you describe something hypothetically positive.

In a society of challenging uncertainties, “if” lets us speak without fear.

Tim David, author of Magic Words: The Science and Secrets Behind Seven Words That Motivate, Engage, and Influence, suggests that the word “if” alleviates the pressure of being wrong. It also lets us be more creative by taking away the urge to be right.

Try the following examples to improve your creative thinking using "if":

What would I say if I knew?

What would I do if anything was possible?

How would I act if I was not afraid of failure?

How would I interact if I was not afraid of rejection?

4. “Thank you” makes other people more likely to seek a friendship with you.

Many studies have proven that gratitude makes us happier. It can also improve our relationships with others. Research demonstrates that thanking someone you've just met for their help makes them more likely to develop a social relationship with you.

Psychologist Dr. Lisa Williams conducted a study, in which 70 students advised a younger student. The younger one thanked only some of them for the advice. Those were more willing to provide their contact details when their mentor asked them.

Therefore, if you want to make more friends and influence people positively, then you need to mind your manners.

5. “And” helps you explain differing points of view

Liane Davey, author of You First: Inspire Your Team to Grow Up, Get Along, and Get Stuff Done, recommends using the word “and” when you disagree with someone.

As she says: “When you need to disagree with someone, express your contrary opinion as ‘and.’ It’s not necessary for someone else to be wrong for you to be right”.

That's a great thing to try when you discuss conflicting ideas. It admittedly seems like it's more efficient than the dreaded word “but”.

6. “Because” helps others understand your point of view

Also, if you ever need to ask for somebody’s help, try to explain to them why.

Ellen Langer, a social psychologist, conducted an experiment in which she asked to cut in line at a copy machine. She tried asking that in three different ways:

“Excuse me; I have 5 pages. May I use the Xerox machine?”

“Excuse me; I have 5 pages. May I use the Xerox machine because I am in a rush?”

“Excuse me; I have 5 pages. May I use the Xerox machine because I need to make some copies?”

Of those asked, 60% let her cut in line using the first request technique. When she added the “because,” 94% and 93% of those asked, respectively, said OK.

Explaining your reasons helps others to understand your point of view. It also makes you sound reasonable rather than arrogant.

7. Using a person’s name will make them think favorably of you

We all love the sound of our name. In fact, there is evidence that unique brain patterns happen when someone says our names, as compared to hearing other people's names.

So, using somebody’s name is a simple way to make them more inclined to think favorably of you. That, provided that you remember their name!

References: Learning-Mind, Inc.com/jeff-haden, Hbswk.hbs.edu, Newsroom.unsw.edu.au