Are You Speaking Out of Your But?

Have you ever tried using the word “and” instead of “but?”

A few weeks ago I attended an improvisational session for business owners and walked away with a valuable lesson in communication.

Whenever possible avoid using “but”

Our improv leader paired us into groups of two, designating one person as “A” and the other person as “B.”

Person “A” was instructed to plan a staff meeting with person “B.” What was the catch? Whatever person “A” proposed, person “B” was told to counter each suggestion with the word, “But…”

Within a few minutes the level of frustration mounted — for both person “A” and person “B.”

In fact, it was impossible to come to a resolution when the other person began with, “But…”

In the next improvisational exercise, we were instructed to plan another event, only this time person “B” was told to begin each response using the word “And…”

The change in attitude and cooperation was dramatic.

…but what about your website copy?

Since becoming aware of the using “but…” versus “and…” I’ve been removing all the “but”(s) in my website copy. In my clients’ website copy, too!

What a difference!

Try it for yourself and make all your written communication sound more positive, cooperative and engaging.