Reframe It

When we say some phrases, the response is negative even when we don’t intend it.

Here are a few examples:

“Calm down.”

“I don’t have time.”

“You don’t understand.”

How do those sound? Not good.

Instead of ‘Calm down’, reframe it.

New version: "I know you are upset. How can I support you?"

Instead of ‘I don’t have time’, reframe it.

New version: "I want to hear what you have to say. Now isn’t great so let’s talk at 2pm."

Instead of ‘You don’t understand’, reframe it.

New version: "I want to share more to explain my point."

We need to increase our awareness of how our words sound.

The best choice is to take the time to reframe it.