Inspire, Empower, and Transform with Your Words
By Stephanie Bickel
Leaders unknowingly turn people off with their words.
Have you ever walked away from a meeting or speech feeling disconnected or uninspired? Words matter—more than we might think. Some leaders inadvertently create a sense of doubt, overwhelm, or even apathy by unknowingly using language that fails to motivate and inspire. But what if every word you spoke could captivate and drive people forward?
Use better language.
Great leaders make their words count. Instead of sounding vague, negative, or uncertain, they choose language that resonates, inspires, and motivates. With the right words, you can capture attention and move others to action.
If I start using new words, people will think I am not authentically me?
Speaking like a leader is a skill. It requires careful word choice, avoiding unnecessary hedging, and presenting a confident vision. You likely use some words that are not leaderly. Check for excessive use of "I" language and overly casual language like "awesome". Audiences love hearing a speaker they know try new things and use fresh language.
There are easy things you can do.
Small changes—like using simple, direct language, positive framing, and powerful verbs—can make a big difference. Eliminating phrases like "I think" or "It seems like" instantly gives your words more weight. And remember, memorable phrases stick with people longer, echoing in their minds long after you’ve spoken. Check out the full lesson on the Language of Leadership here.
You need to monitor yourself. You have blind spots.
Improving your language habits takes awareness and consistent effort. Our default expressions, fillers, and hedges are often ingrained, but with practice, you can transform how people perceive you.
Leading change requires powerful words.
Change efforts often fail because teams don’t feel motivated by their leaders. A recent Harvard Business Review study found that motivation is one of the top reasons behind the success or failure of team initiatives. In "Leading Change: Why Transformation Efforts Fail," John P. Kotter identifies a lack of motivation among team members as a critical factor leading to the failure of change initiatives. He emphasizes that without sufficient motivation, individuals are unlikely to support and engage in the transformation process, causing the effort to stall. Leaders who inspire their teams with thoughtful, clear, motivating language can drive their teams to success even in the most challenging times.
Imagine a CEO delivering a message during a critical time for the company. Instead of instilling confidence, her words leave people feeling unsure. Words like “crisis,” “afraid,” or “overwhelming” filter through her message. Employees leave the meeting feeling more anxious than before.
Now, imagine a different leader. He speaks about challenges but frames them as opportunities. He avoids softening his stance with “I think” or “It seems.” He ends his message with a clear call to action and positive vision for the future. This leader leaves his team not only informed but fired up to tackle the road ahead.
Next time you speak, thoughtfully choose your sentence structures and words to create the feelings and motivation your team needs to go crush it. When you end on a powerful note, people remember. They walk away feeling empowered and ready to take on the challenges ahead.
Start practicing today, in front of your mirror and with a trusted colleague. Your words are the difference between a lukewarm response and a team that’s truly inspired to achieve great things.
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