Small Change > Big Judgment
Small words can make a big difference. "Thank you" at the end of a statement changes its tone from judgmental to appreciative. Be intentional with language!
Look at these two statements:
Person A: “You submitted the report. At last!”
Person B: “You submitted the report. Thank you!”
What difference do these two words at the end make for you?
When you say those statements, those two words may not be something you think much about.
But when you receive those two words, they radically change the ‘sound’ and meaning of the statement.
The first statement can be seen as a sharp judgment. And we all know, it can be surprisingly hard to control the use of such seemingly small statements in our language.
Yet, they matter. It’s ‘small’ words like this that convey our actual intention. They are what trigger either a positive or negative response.
I am not saying: Don’t ever use such language. You may decide it’s necessary to convey a message that is otherwise not understood. What I recommend is to use it judiciously and with care.
All the best and have an intentional day wherever you are!