106 PowerPhrases in Action
are jumbled and unclear, tell yourself that if you still mean it
in twenty-four hours, you will communicate it.
Whatever you decide to say, be certain that it is genuine.
You do not need to express every feeling; in fact, you are better
off if you don’t. Select the feelings that will work toward your
result. In most situations, the most vulnerable feeling you
express has the most impact. If you are both angry and con-
cerned, expressing the concern will have the greatest impact.
PowerPhrases to Say What You Feel Are
Not Mean When You Say Them
Avoid using feelings as weapons. If someone needs to know how
you feel in order to understand you and the situation, express
that feeling. If you want to express the feeling to punish them
for not giving you what you want, resist the temptation. It will
come back to bite you. Don’t take them on a guilt trip, and do
not use your emotions to intimidate them. Be clear in your
intention and resist emotional revenge.
When feelings are an important part of the message, let them
know—in clear and direct PowerPhrases.