This is a subtle, but powerful language shift.

Compare these two phrases:

  • Please draft the article and send to me for review by Thursday.
  • Could you please draft the article and send to me for review by Thursday?

Read them aloud to yourself a few times.

Note your own tonalities as you read them – changes in pitch, changes in volume, changes in energy.

Next,

Have Someone You Know Read The Phrases To You

Take careful note of changes in your own energy and enthusiasm.

Which feels better?

Which motivates you to action?

Which makes you feel more valued?

Which makes you feel more bought-in?

Which makes you feel more like part of the team?

Which makes you feel more like your contribution is integral to the success result?

Two key points:

  • It’s not so much THAT you ask, as it is HOW you ask;
  • Even the illusion of choice can emancipate your audience to take the steps you want them to take

It’s a great idea.

But I can’t demand full credit.