How to Use Power Phrases

182 PowerPhrases in Action

When you say what you really mean rather than reaching for
rules, you avoid sounding self-righteous. That makes you more
effective.

PowerPhrases to Handle Disagreements

Mean What You Say

It’s a PowerPhrase to say,

Let’s find a way of looking at this that makes sense to

both of us.

unless you mean

I’m going to say this to you, so you’ll shut up and listen to

my voice of superior reason.

It’s a PowerPhrase to say,

That’s an interesting perspective.

unless what you really mean is

That’s ridiculous. Where did you get such a stupid idea?

It’s a PowerPhrase to say

I want to hear your perspective on this.