Little words that make a massive difference

Instead if the words on the left, try the ones on the right…

But		And
Think		Sure
We		I (you and I)
OK?		(Just don’t use)
Why?		What? How?
Need		(Just don’t use)

• Don’t put an unnecessary negative slant on things
  • • I think we should do x and y and see how it goes.  We could do z but it’s not indicated I’m afraid.
• Be more positive, and take out the unnecessary negative
  • • I think we should do x and y and hopefully, within 2 weeks, things will be a lot better.   Does that sound good to you?
• The other great word is “Wonder”
• Your headaches are cause by the stress you’re under at the moment.    (patient thinks – “I disagree”)
• I wonder whether your headaches and stress are related?  (patient thinks – “Mmmm…. may be”)
• The other great phrase is “what do you think?”
• I wonder whether your headaches and stress are related.   Last week you took a holiday and the headaches had almost disappeared.  What do you think?  (patient thinks – “Mmmm…. may be”)