Linguists have done studies finding that executives and entrepreneurs use a wholly different vocabulary. If your words are a reflection of the inner workings of your brain– in the same way that a microphone with a reversed current becomes a speaker– then we can analyze the language of successful people to determine how their brains are wired differently.
Let’s first start with what great leaders DON’T do– use filler words, passive language, and wishy-washy terminology. Um, ah, actually, you know, basically, and like are the most egregious violators. How can anyone take you seriously when you’re using those words in every sentence? “We’d, uh, like to, um, start this project, you know?” Sounds like they’re asking for permission, since every sentence ends up in pitch. You know those people I’m talking about, where every sentence sounds like it’s a question? Almost as bad are folks who end their sentences in “so….” They’re indicating they’re not done, yet don’t have a continuation to their thought.
Can you imagine if someone came up to you and said, “Uh, well like, I was thinking that perhaps we should like do this Facebook advertising platform that basically would, you know, let advertisers buy fans, so…..” Not exactly motivating, is it? Don’t laugh, since more people than you think– perhaps even yourself– talk like this. Try this wake-up exercise– listen to a friend and yourself in conversation. Watch how many times they, as well as yourself, use any of these words. You’ll likely find that it’s so subconscious, you don’t even notice how often you do it.
Leaders of all types, on the other hand, use definitive language. Most of their sentences, when talking to other people, start with verbs and imperatives– Let’s, now, today, we should, go, and so forth. This is not something learned in a ToastMasters Club, although I’d highly recommend that you join one to practice your impromptu speaking skills. Rather, it’s a reflection of a mind that is singularly driven towards a goal. You can tell– these folks get right to the point and use action words. The density of verbs in their language is far higher than others. They’re pushing to the next step. What’s next to do?
Joseph Schumpter coined the terms “entrepreneurship” in 1913, which literally means “creative destruction.” You have to actively be destroying something in the status quo, which draws emotional ire from whatever you’re destroying, yet recruits folks who believe in your cause. Are you an entrepreneur making things happen with your language? Or perhaps you want to but things just aren’t happening? Consider what your cause is and whether your every day words inspire folks into recruitment.