Negatives
A list of Toxic Vocabulary words. Notice when you or other people use them. But: Negates any words that are stated before it. Try: Presupposes failure. If: Presupposes that you may not. Might: It does nothing definite. It leaves options for your listener.. Would Have: Past tense that draws attention to things that didn't actually happen. Should Have: Past tense that draws attention to things that didn't actually happen (and implies guilt.) Could Have: Past tense that draws attention to things that didn't actually happen but the person tries to take credit as if it did happen. Can't/Don't: These words force the listener to focus on exactly the opposite of what you want. This is a classic mistake that parents and coaches make without knowing the damage of this linguistic error. Toxic phrase: "Don't drop the ball!" Likely result: Drops the ballBetter language: "Catch the ball!" Toxic phrase: "You shouldn't watch so much television. ...