One Line Wonders

 

There is a test going on in Indore between India and Australia. During the commentary, Matthew Hayden criticized the pitch conditions rather harshly, stating that “nowhere in the world” would a spinner come to bowl in the sixth over of a Test match on Day-1. Ravi Shastri, who was also on-air at the time, had a two-word reply to Hayden's criticism. “Home conditions”.  Shastri kind of silenced the Aussie but then he made some hidden points beyond Indore pitch which were conveyed despite the sad nature of the pitch which he acknowledged later. There are numerous incidences where Politicians have used one- liner to useful effect. In one such comment, Nelson Mandela said “Unlike some politicians, I can admit to a mistake”. For working professionals, the one-liner is the stuff of effective communicators and each of us can use them to our advantage. The “art of delivery” is not just for a skilled politician or a commentator, over time, by just about anyone. A good one-liner doesn’t click immediately but leaves its mark, silently accomplishing what the deliverer has in mind- results. 

Sometimes these results are nothing more than memory. A car dealer wants people to remember him and so his media team develops a tagline that accomplishes his aim. Sales professionals want to build a relationship with client and they use one-liners to get to know clients and follow up with them.  One-liner can be said over the phone, in print material, and in casual conversation. They are effective because they are used breathlessly. The key of course is to figure out which one-liner works best and when to use it. What follows are some excellent one-liners that, if delivered well, will make interactions memorable and help you get ahead.

“Ravi, Ravi Shastri”. The repetition of your first name twice is very effective. This subtle repetition of one key name (can be the last name) plants it firmly in the mind of the person you are shaking hands with or speaking to on the phone. 

“I’ve heard some great things about you”. We all like to be famous: even if the popularity is fleeting or within a small group of people. Letting someone know that they’re liked by others is an important way of getting them to like you.   

“I’m looking forward to that”. Following up on a conversation is very important and one of the easiest one-liners involves leading your audience towards a goal. If it’s a follow-up lunch a week later, I’m looking forward to that. This simple one-liner lets others know that you value relationships over routine acts. 

“Leave your name and phone, speaking slowly enough for me to write it down”.  Most people think they’re driving in a Formula One event when they leave a voice message so you need to slow them down.   

“I’m not sure about that but I think we can do this”. The ‘that-this’ dynamic is effective not only because it acknowledges the other’s perspective but it gives them something concrete and doable.  You cannot accept fully what others demand but you can offer them doable alternatives where you concede something while in return achieving your objectives.  

“I think we have something in common”. Nothing forms bonds better than something held in common: Food, geography, people, cars- whatever. Don’t go overboard but let the other person know that you have something in common and it’s ok to briefly touch on it. 

“Let’s strike while the iron is hot!” Rather than a lukewarm offer to get together “at some point”, strike while the iron is hot and put it on the calendar today.  . 

“Let me see if I understand where you’re coming from”. You may find yourself in the middle of a conversation, a debate, or even a fight- slow things down with this great one-liner. It works every time because it tells the other person that you care enough to report back what you’ve just heard. 

In Parenting, One-liners can help us remain calm and composed in stressful situations, as they provide a clear and consistent message to our children. Experts say: “One-liners can be used to replace certain negative or ineffective reactions in parenting, such as it can help parents avoid the temptation to lecture their children, which can lead to boredom, disengagement, and resistance”. Instead of saying “you’re so lazy,” say “let’s get started” to encourage action. A short reminder phrase like “let’s get started” can also replace nagging, which can lead to resentment and defiance.  Instead of arguing with your child, say “I love you too much to argue.” Instead of trying to talk your child out of a tantrum, encourage them to express themselves by saying, “Let me know when you are calm so we can talk.”  Instead of telling them what to do, ask “What choice do you want to make: A or B?” Instead of yelling “you need to listen to me!” say, “Let me know when you are ready to listen.” 

Here are some more one-liners that can buy you and your child some time to calm down: “Take a deep breath.” This will help you both regulate your emotions so communication is more effective “This is hard.” It validates their feelings and is a cue that you are listening and ready to support them. “We all make mistakes.” “All your feelings are OK.” “I’m feeling overwhelmed. I’m going to take a break for five minutes.” This lets children know you have emotions too, and you need to calm down the same way they do. “How can we solve this?” gets your child involved in the problem-solving process. 

George Bernard Shaw once said that “The problem with communication … is the illusion that it has been accomplished.” To be effective at home and at work, the use of a one-liner can get results, form deeper bonds, and enable you to communicate on a higher level. 

It is time for everyone to hone up skills to come up with maximum effect with minimum words.