Phraseology for Crucial Communications

It's nice to have a few scripts and templates when talking with others.   Here are a few useful phrases for you to use:

“May I Speak Freely?”

“My purpose in talking with you is …” (a mutual goal)

“When you … I feel . . . ” (action you are giving feedback on – something they can change)

“I imagine that …” (positive intent/benefit of the doubt)

“And because we both want …” (common goal)

“I need …” (specific alternative behavior requested)

Most importantly, affirm him or her as a person

~Dr. Jay Kaplan's Lecture at ACEP Scientific Assembly, Boston 2009.