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Secret #6: There Is
Power in Nice
Don’t Be Mean When You Say It
I helped a client draft a “Power Letter” to get a former client of
hers to make a payment that he owed her. The letter was clear
and firm. It closed with, “I wish you the best.” My client said,
“I’d rather say: Just pay up, you slime ball!”
I asked, “How effective do you think that would be?” She
then asked me, “Should I say it if I don’t mean it?” I told her
no, but asked, “Is there any part of your heart that wishes him
well? If you can find some respect in your heart and commu-
nicate that, I believe your chances are greater of succeeding.”
The client modified my recommended closing to words of
well-wishing that more closely matched what she could find in
her heart. After she sent it, she was glad she had included that.
The letter was well-received and successful.
When someone hurts you, human nature is to want to hurt
them back. You need to tell the truth about that to yourself,
Copyright © 2004 by Meryl Runion. Click here for terms of use.