🗣️ How to Speak Like a Top Performer: The Power of Words

Have you ever noticed that in meetings, the person with the best ideas isn’t always the one who gets the most recognition? More often than not, it’s the person who communicates their ideas clearly, confidently, and persuasively.

This is the hidden truth of success at work: the difference between a top performer and everyone else is often communication.

John C. Maxwell once said, “Leadership is influence.” And influence, at its core, is nothing but effective communication. You may be brilliant, but if you cannot communicate your brilliance, someone with fewer ideas but better words will move ahead of you.

The Qur’an reminds us:

“And speak to people good [words].” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:83)

And the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.” (Hadith - Bukhari & Muslim)

Your words matter. They can build trust, inspire action, and open doors. Or they can create confusion, resistance, and even close opportunities.

🔑 Why Words Matter: A Story from the Workplace

A few years ago, I witnessed two colleagues present the same solution to a problem. Let’s call them Ahmad and Sarah.

Ahmad began his presentation nervously: “This might sound silly, but I think maybe we should try this approach…”
Sarah, on the other hand, started with confidence: “Here’s an idea I believe will improve our results. Let’s consider this approach.”

Both had the same idea. Yet guess whose suggestion was taken seriously? Sarah’s.

It wasn’t because Ahmad’s idea was weak; it was because his words weakened it. Sarah framed the same thought with words that projected confidence, ownership, and belief.

This is what top performers do differently: they understand that every word is either building or breaking their credibility.

✅ Top Performer Phrases in Action

Here are some common scenarios and how top performers choose words that elevate their impact:

When You Don’t Know Something
- ❌ “I don’t know.”
- ✅ “I’ll look into that and get back to you.”
  👉 Example: In a client meeting, admitting ignorance can lose trust. But promising to follow up shows accountability and professionalism.
When You’re Busy
- ❌ “I’m too busy.”
- ✅ “I’ll be able to look into this on [date].”
  👉 Example: A manager once told me this phrase actually makes people respect your time instead of feeling brushed off.
After a Mistake
- ❌ “Sorry, I missed that.”
- ✅ “Thank you for spotting that.”
  👉 Example: A colleague once reframed a mistake this way. Instead of looking incompetent, he looked collaborative and grateful, and the team trusted him more.
When You Disagree
- ❌ “You are wrong.”
- ✅ “I have a different perspective.”
  👉 Example: In negotiations, this small shift avoids defensiveness. Instead of shutting doors, it keeps conversations open.

These examples (credit to Will McTighe for the infographic) show how a simple word swap can change how people perceive you.

🌟 Lessons from the Quran and Sunnah

Islam emphasizes that communication is not just a skill, it’s a form of character.

The Qur’an commands us to speak kindly, even in disagreement.
The Prophet ﷺ modeled this by using gentle words even with his harshest critics.

Imagine applying that wisdom at work: replacing harshness with perspective, excuses with accountability, and hesitation with clarity.

🚀 Final Thoughts: Becoming a Top Performer

At the end of the day, the real edge of top performers isn’t just in their skills. It’s in how they communicate those skills with confidence and respect.

Words shape perception. Perception builds influence. And influence creates opportunities.

So, the next time you want to say “I’ll try,” replace it with “I’ll handle this.”
Instead of “Sorry to bother you,” say “Can we have a quick chat?”

These small changes will make a big difference in how others see you, and in how you see yourself.

👉 Now it’s your turn: Which phrase will you start using today to sound more like a top performer? Share in the comments: let’s inspire each other to raise the standard of workplace communication!

#Leadership #Communication #TopPerformer #WorkSmarter #Influence

📸 Credit: Will McTighe (image shared above)

Amirul's Scribe

Tuesday, September 2, 2025