Want to encourage change? Need a way to grab attention? Have to motivate a group? Consider using a familiar quotation. Quotes generally contain accepted truths and can help shift perceptions in a variety of challenging situations.Here are six examples.
To Fight Complacency
Complacent colleagues reluctant to make changes to current products, systems, strategies? Snap the
m back to reality with, “Even if you’re on the right track, if you just sit there, you’re going to get hit.” (20th century satirist, Will Rogers)
To Encourage Risk Taking
This is good advice to employees or kids reluctant to step out of their comfort zones: “You miss a hundred percent of the shots you never take.” (Wayne Gretzky, famous Canadian Hocky Player)
To Deal with Hard Times
Setbacks come to everyone, both in business and in life. Those who succeed manage to push through them and can be reminded of this quote from country singer, Dolly Parton: “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain.”
To Motivate a Team
Sales don’t always go up and an off period can have a depressing effect on a group’s morale, which is a good time to remind them of the importance of a positive attitude. “If you think you can or if you think you can’t, you’re probably right.” (Henry Ford)
To Encourage Authenticity
It is one thing to admire another’s success and another to imitate them. This is often true with people who try to present, make small talk, or tell jokes like someone else. Those behaviors usually fall flat. Do these folks a favor and tell them what Hollywood star Judy Garland said, “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of someone else.”
To Grab Attention
These and any other appropriate quotes can be used to grab attention opening a presentation, meeting or speech. For example, just using the Rogers quote, you could say, “Good morning. As a 20th century satirist said, “Even….hit. And we are in danger of being hit! We have had a good business run, but we are now facing …, …, and … Here are the three changes I propose we implement to avoid a business collision…” and then expand on those ideas. In your conclusion, return to the opening quote: “So, if we want to avoid being hit and continue down the track of success we have established up to now, we should …, …, and … And the next step is to ….
Nuggets of Truth
Because they frequently contain some universally recognized truth, quotes are instantly understood and lend support to many arguments in our daily business and personal situations. Try using them in the next difficult situation you face. Remember, “Nothing ventured. Nothing gained.”
Happy July 4th!
Anne Miller
Words Matter – Make What You Say Pay!
Photo by Jeremy Perkins on Unsplash
Need to sharpen your sales skills or presentation messaging, contact me for a free 15 minute consult at amiller@annemiller.com
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