* 11 Encouragement (p.3 of 3)
11.11 When you are ready to grab an opportunity
I won’t hesitate. Listen <“When I see a clear shot, I won’t hesitate.”>
I won’t think twice. Listen A “I’ll make a decision almost immediately.” <“If they offer me a good salary, I won’t think twice.”>
I’ll do it without a second thought. Listen A “I’ll do it without thinking whether it is right or wrong.” <“If my company offers me to move to California, I’ll do it without a second thought.”>
I’ll do it in a heartbeat. Listen A “I’ll do it almost immediately.” <“If I need to spend all my money on my daughter’s health, I’ll do it in a heartbeat.”>
11.12 When a person is hesitating
He can’t make up his mind. Listen A “He cannot make a decision.” <“The boss doesn’t know yet if he wants to go forward with this deal. He can’t make up his mind.”>
He is dragging his feet. Listen <“He knows he has to make a decision, but he is dragging his feet.”>
He got cold feet. Listen <“The bridegroom got cold feet right before the wedding.”>
11.13 When you are not happy about the insufficiency of somebody’s efforts
Is that it? Listen < – “Lord knows I’ve tried.”>
Is that all? Listen < – “I’ve done my best.”>
Do you call that finished? Listen <“I told you to clean your room. Do you call that finished?”>
This won’t do. Listen A “This effort won’t suffice.” <“I’m glad you managed to raise so much money. But you need much more. This won’t do.”>
That won’t do it. Listen A “That effort won’t bring you a desirable result.” <“I know how hard you practiced. However, your opponent is very strong. That won’t do it.”>
That doesn’t cut it. Listen A “That effort doesn’t suffice.” <“The government has done something to improve its performance. Very little, though. That does not cut it. We are in recession, you know.”>
This is not a masterpiece. Listen A “This is not an outstanding work.” <“I have a copy of your report. This is not a masterpiece. The management can easily stop financing your project.”>
Once more with feeling. Listen A “Repeat this passage once more; this time with passion.” <The film director told the actress, “Once more with feeling.”>
11.14 When you indicate that an almost done job does not count
You almost had it. Listen A “You almost achieved it.” <“I’m so sorry you lost the final fight of the championship. You almost had it.”>
So near and yet so far. Listen A “The result was within reach, but it was not achieved.” <“I tried to open the door and let the people out of the burning house, but the door was locked. So near and yet so far.”>
So close and yet so far. Listen <“How did you do in the contest?” – “I came in second, right after the winner. So close and yet so far.”>
Close, but no cigar. Listen A “You missed, so you are not winning a cigar as a prize.” <“I forgot your brother’s name. Is it Jim?” – “Close, but no cigar. It’s Josh.”>
You were within a hair’s breadth. Listen A “You were within a very close distance.” <“You finished the race almost neck and neck with the gold medalist. Almost! You were within a hair’s breadth.”>
A miss is as good as a mile. Listen A “A small failure that causes a loss is no better than a big blunder.” <“The other candidate lost the election race by two per cent only.” – “Anyway, he lost it. A miss is as good as a mile.”>
Nice try. Listen A “Although you missed, I compliment your attempt.” <“You were within a hair’s breadth of beating the world record. Nice try, though.”>
11.15 When a person isn’t doing enough
You’re not helping as much as you should. Listen <“Look, I have almost completed the job. You’re not helping as much as you should.”>
You’re not doing your share. Listen A “You are not working as hard as others.” <“Johnny, your father works and makes money. Your mother cooks and keeps the home fires burning. Your job, Johnny, is to learn in school, which you don’t do well. You’re not doing your share.”>
You’re not doing your fair share. Listen <“My dear husband, you should be more helpful around the house. You’re not doing your fair share.”>
You’re not pulling your own weight. Listen A “You are not doing your share.” <“Your teammates are complaining about you. You’re not pulling your own weight.” – “I’m doing the best I can.”>
You’re slacking off. Listen <“I’m afraid you can’t work at our cooperative anymore. You’re slacking off.”>
Stop being such a lazybones. Listen <“Get a normal job and a haircut. Stop being such a lazybones.”>
You’re not living up to your potential. Listen A “You are not fulfilling expectations.” <“Working atmosphere in our company is conducive to career growth. You’re not living up to your potential, though.>
You’re not living up to your end of the bargain. Listen A “You are not doing your portion of the agreement.” <“I supplied you the goods you ordered. You haven’t paid for the shipment yet. You’re not living up to your end of the bargain.”>
11.16 When you encourage a person whose attitude is improving
Now you’re talking! Listen A “Finally you are saying what is right.” <“Next semester I’ll study really hard.” – “Now you’re talking.”>
There you go! Listen A “Finally you are doing what is right.” <“Now I understand I have to study hard.” – “There you go! I’m really pleased to hear that from you.”>
That’s the way to go! Listen A “You are on the right track, so continue doing that.” <“I’m glad you finally got a decent job and settled down. That’s the way to go!”>
That’s more like it. Listen A “That thing or action is closer to what is right.” <“I study eleven hours a day.” – “That’s more like it. I would like to see some results, too.”>
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