According to Malcolm Gladwell's book, Outliers, language can impact bottom line results. He suggests that in the airline industry, where Korea is the most hierarchical culture, lower ranking flight crews were afraid to voice concern to superiors. As a result, Korean Airlines had the most crashes.
How did they resolve this problem? They changed the language of the cockpit to English. By changing the tone in the cockpit, staff had a different context, culture and a way of being heard.
Although there's some controversy over whether their improved flight record was a result of a change in language or a change in personnel policies, the bottom line is that the language one uses directly impacts one's ability to influence a situation. Men and women sometimes use language differently, which can cause miscommunication and an erosion of influence. Speakers or leaders who use clear, specific, definitive language increase their credibility. Language is powerful.
How do you speak to your audience? To your superiors? To your peers and direct reports? To your customers? To your shareholders? Leaders who lack executive presence, may not be using language effectively.
Ambiguous questions and weak language can undermine leadership, and result in lost opportunities and sales.
The DiResta Communications approach to presentation is the Science of Speaking-what confidence looks like, sounds like and how to speak the language of confidence. Our coaching programs improve leadership communication and organizational effectiveness.