Chapter 3: Elite Vocabulary: Words That Win Rooms

Imani Rhodes

Welcome to chapter three. Today, we’re diving into something that’s changed the way I show up in every room—language that leads. Miles, you ready?

Miles Carter

Always. And I love this topic because, I mean, we’ve talked about intentional language before, but today we’re getting into the science and the art of it. Not just what to say, but why it works. There’s a reason the best leaders don’t just talk—they paint pictures, right?

Imani Rhodes

Exactly. And it’s not about using fancy words. It’s about using words that stick. There’s this Harvard Business Review study—leaders who use visual language and analogies are three times more likely to be seen as trustworthy and intelligent.

Miles Carter

Yeah, that's big. And Wharton did a study too. If you use words that structure ideas—like “framework” or “Foundation”—you’re almost a third more persuasive. It’s not about sounding smart, it’s about making things clear. People remember what they can see in their minds.

Imani Rhodes

I love that. It’s like, if your words are foggy, people’s minds are chaos. I always say, “If it’s foggy in your mouth, it’s chaos in their mind.”

Miles Carter

That’s a keeper. And honestly, I’ve seen this play out. Back when I was consulting, I walked into this meeting—total confusion, everyone talking past each other. I just reframed the conversation. Instead of “What’s the problem?” I said, “Can we agree on the priority here?” Suddenly, everyone’s heads nodding. It’s like, one phrase, and you go from noise to alignment.

Imani Rhodes

That’s the magic. And it’s not just for boardrooms. Warehouse leads, dental assistants, software devs—anyone can use this. It’s about clarity, not volume. And, as we talked about last episode, it’s those intentional choices that build trust and open doors.

Miles Carter

Right. And the research backs it up—teams with leaders who focus on outcomes and alignment? They outperform on engagement and accountability. It’s not hype. It’s just how people work.

Imani Rhodes

So let’s get into the good stuff—the actual phrases. These are the ten leadership phrases that, honestly, I wish I’d learned in my twenties. Ready?

Miles Carter

Let’s do it. First up: “Can we agree on the priority?” This one’s a game-changer. It cuts through the noise, gets everyone focused, and builds alignment. I use it at the start of every project kickoff. Instead of a dozen ideas flying around, you get one clear direction.

Imani Rhodes

Next: “The impact is…” I love this because it gets straight to outcomes. If a meeting’s getting chaotic, just drop this in: “The impact is, we’ll miss the deadline if we don’t decide today.” Suddenly, everyone’s listening.

Miles Carter

Number three: “What I’m seeing is…” It’s a way to share your perspective without sounding like you’re shutting people down. Like, “What I’m seeing is, our process is slowing us down after step three.” It leaves space for others to add their view.

Imani Rhodes

Fourth: “Let’s get to the takeaway. "This one’s a clarity move. It brings focus fast and tells the room you’re not here to wander—you’re here to solve. “Let’s get to the takeaway—we all need to get better at communicating with each other and giving timely updates.” It shows vision, sets the tone for accountability.

Miles Carter

Number five: “What’s the cost of not solving this?” This one breaks through indifference. If people are dragging their feet, just ask it. Suddenly, the stakes are real.

Imani Rhodes

Six: “I’ve mapped out the options.” This builds trust. It makes decisions feel less risky. Instead of “We have to do this,” you say, “Here are two options. Let’s pick.”

Miles Carter

Seven: “I want to make sure I understand…” This is my go-to for tense moments. It de-escalates, shows you’re listening. “I want to make sure I understand what’s important to you here.”

Imani Rhodes

Eight: “What success looks like is…” This one’s gold. It clarifies expectations, future-proofs performance. “What success looks like is, we deliver on time and everyone’s clear on their role.”

Miles Carter

Nine: “We’re aiming for progress, not perfection.” This is for the overthinkers. It encourages action, not paralysis. “Let’s get a draft out. Progress over perfect.”

Imani Rhodes

And finally: “Let’s get specific.” This one crushes vague talk. “Let’s get specific—what’s the next step, who owns it, and by when?”

Miles Carter

Let’s make this real. Imani, wanna do a quick roleplay? I’ll be the old way, you upgrade it.

Imani Rhodes

Alright, hit me.

Miles Carter

Old way: “Organize these pallets of new products.”

Imani Rhodes

Better way: “What success looks like is labeling every pallet, get them in nice straight rows, and zero damaged product.” See? Suddenly, everyone knows what “good” means.

Miles Carter

Here’s another. Old way: “I think I know the issue, we'll see what I can do”

Imani Rhodes

Better way: “What I’m seeing is a system lag tied to the last update. I’ll map out two options and follow up by 4PM.” That’s trust, right there.

Miles Carter

One more. Old way: “Let’s get as much of this done as we can.”

Imani Rhodes

Better way: “Can we agree on the priority this week? Everything else will orbit that.”

Miles Carter

I love it. And you know, Imani, you always bring this poetic angle. Didn’t you have a workshop where a single phrase changed everything?

Imani Rhodes

So, I was in this poetry workshop, and someone said, “This is all great but Let’s get specific.” Suddenly, the whole group stopped writing in metaphors and started writing in moments. It shifted the energy. Sometimes, one phrase is all it takes to move a room.

Miles Carter

So, how do you actually remember and use these phrases? I mean, it’s one thing to hear them, but making them stick—that’s the trick.

Imani Rhodes

Yeah, it’s all about the reps. Use them intentionally—every day—until they start to feel natural. The game we linked in the additional resources is a great way to build that skill. The goal is to make these phrases a habit, so they show up when it counts without you even thinking about it.

Miles Carter

Okay, let’s run back the 10 elite phrases we’ve been talking about. I’ll call ’em out—Imani, hit us with how they sound in the real world. First up: “Can we agree on the priority?”

Imani Rhodes

“Can we agree on the priority before we dive in? "It works because it stops the scatter and gets everyone moving in the same direction.

Miles Carter

Next: “The impact is…”

Imani Rhodes

““The impact is a two-day delay if we don’t fix this now. "People respond to consequences—this one makes it clear what’s at stake.

Miles Carter

Third: “What I’m seeing is…”

Imani Rhodes

“What I’m seeing is a lot of effort, but no real plan. "You’re naming what’s real without putting people on defense.

Miles Carter

Fourth: “Let’s get to the takeaway.”

Imani Rhodes

““Let’s get to the takeaway—what actually changed, and what do we need to do next?” It's powerful because it cuts through noise and confusion.

Miles Carter

Fifth: “What’s the cost of not solving this?”

Imani Rhodes

“What’s the cost if this goes untouched another week? "It shifts the energy from ‘maybe later’ to ‘right now.’

Miles Carter

Sixth: “I’ve mapped out the options.”

Imani Rhodes

“I’ve mapped out the options so we’re not guessing. "That builds trust. It shows you’re not just reacting—you’ve thought ahead.

Miles Carter

Seventh: “I want to make sure I understand…”

Imani Rhodes

“I want to make sure I understand what you’re asking for. "This one cools tension and invites clarity instead of conflict.

Miles Carter

Eighth: “What success looks like is…”

Imani Rhodes

“What success looks like is a smooth handoff and no callbacks. "This paints the target. Now everyone knows what ‘done right’ means.

Miles Carter

Ninth: “We’re aiming for progress, not perfection.”

Imani Rhodes

“We’re aiming for progress, not perfection—let’s just get the first draft moving. "It removes pressure and gets people into motion.

Miles Carter

And last: “Let’s get specific.”

Imani Rhodes

“Let’s get specific—who’s sending the file, and by when? "No more vagueness. It gets stuff done.

Miles Carter

Those are your 10 power phrases. Use ’em daily. Say ’em out loud. Make ’em a habit. Because they only work if you do.

Imani Rhodes

Absolutely. We’ll see you all in the next chapter.