Which common expressions should you avoid?

Warning: Some common workplace expressions, you use with co-workers and customers, may be hurting your reputation. Here are two to avoid:

• “You’ll have to…” This phrase suggests your conversation partner has no choice. Instead of “You’ll have to give me your phone number” try, “Please give me your number and I’ll get back to you quickly.”

• “I’ll have to…” This expression communicates you don’t really want to help, but you will. Instead of “I’ll have to go find that information” try, “I’d be happy to look that up. Could you hold for a moment?”

Source: Wooing Customers Back, by Mark Holmes. Published by Advance Mark Publishing, 800-841-8540.