To talk like a successful person, focus on using the present tense more frequently than the future tense. This technique conveys confidence and action.
Key Elements of Successful Communication
Here's a breakdown of how successful people communicate, focusing on the information from the provided reference:
Use of Present Tense
According to research, successful individuals use the present tense significantly more than average communicators. The reference states they use the present tense 15% more and the future tense 14% less. This makes their language sound more proactive and less speculative.
Why This Matters?
- Confidence: Using present tense demonstrates that you are actively engaged and in control of the situation.
- Action-Oriented: It conveys that tasks are being completed, rather than just planned.
- Clarity: It removes ambiguity and makes your statements sound more concrete.
Examples
Here are some examples to illustrate the difference:
| Less Effective (Future Tense) | More Effective (Present Tense) | |
|---|---|---|
| Goal Setting | "We will achieve these results next quarter." | "We are achieving these results now." |
| Project Updates | "The team will complete the project soon." | "The team is completing the project currently." |
| Progress Reports | "We will see improved sales figures next month." | "We are seeing improved sales figures already." |
Practical Tips
- Be Mindful: Make a conscious effort to monitor your tense usage during conversations.
- Practice: Actively practice phrasing your statements in the present tense.
- Listen: Pay attention to how successful people around you use language.
- Rewrite: When sending an email, change future tense statements into present tense where relevant.
By shifting your focus to the present tense, you will project an image of competence and efficiency.
