Discussion on:

Negative language leads to confusion and a poor image

How important do you think it is to use positive language when you communicate with customers and colleagues? Have you been alienated or confused by others who always express themselves in negative terms?

I'm not quite as affected by negative language as I am by the IFFY type of dialog. The maybe or non-committal type of responses from both client and vendor. In a lot of cases, it's not so much what they say, but what they don't or won't say. When a vendor is asked if a particular piece of gear will do a specific job, you get IFs and maybes but not committment to YES or NO. To me that is a NO, and time to find another vendor. Too often clients can't be clear in their requirements or specific as to the needs or applications needing support. Vague and unclear requirements can lead to incomplete delivery and frustrated end users. Getting stuck in the middle of these communication scrambles will lead to both sides trying to pass the blame and leaves the provider holding the bag. Not knowing what the user wants and what the vendor can provide will only leave all three in the dark and searching for undefined parameters that will only be resolved by positive resolutions to questions, not if ands and maybes.

I believe there are other words that lead to negative expectations, such as "problem" or "crisis". I prefer to use "issue". It does not imply that the event is a catastrophe that can not be resolved. It just means that there is an occurrence of an event that needs attention.

One I try to use when a 'problem' arises is 'challenge'. It's all about recognising it's there and conveying the impression you want to do something about it.

In my opinion i think that negative language causes mental oppression because of this negative people have nothing more to do besides using negative language. i feel that people should have more respect for others because all this leads to is confussion to one anothers mind