No BUT!!

The ‘BUT’ taboo.

If there is any one particular English word that I find may irritate some people easily or even perhaps get you into trouble unnecessary, it is the word ‘but’. Well, you see the word ‘but’ denote disagreement, element of negative feelings or opposing views. Some people may even misconstrue the ‘but’ as a sign of disrespect or discrediting so to speak, in particular when used to communicate with some people your senior in particular your boss, customer or senior peers who may feel that they are more experience, capable and deserve every inch of respect from you. People tend to want to listen to what they like to hear and in that aspect to agree with their opinions. Birds of the same feather flock together so to speak. Thus instead of ‘but’ may I suggest we use another method to convey our disagreement, alternative consideration or options. So instead of using the ‘but’ do consider the following:

1) I do not agree with you on this matter. (This is a simple direct no answer.)
2) Okay I see where you are coming from BUT.. (Never say but as outline earlier)
3) That’s a great suggestion; may I suggest we explore alternative solutions as well?

Statement (1) is straightforward direct no answer. Sometimes we have not much choice but to clearly state our stand and this is a no BS nor beat around the bush answer. Use a directly ‘no’ answer discretely and only when really necessary to do so. Be your own judge as to when to apply this statement.

Statement (2) is what I think the most often used statement and is to my personal opinion the worst statement. You can agree with someone on 99% of the time and the one ‘but’ could potentially throw you back into the dark ages so to speak. Avoid using this statement at all course if possible. Erase the ‘but’ from your vocabulary.

Statement (3) is what this article is all about. No ‘but’; in place we rephrase it in such a way as to indicate that we respect the other party’s opinion, we would like to consider other options though. Do take note that this by no means indicates that we are weak or implies that we are afraid to say ‘no’ or we beg to differ in terms of opinions.

In conclusion, you will find that the above suggestion is very effective if use prudently and would give you an edge over negotiations and other discussion, without having to confront and provoke the opposite party with regards to your differing opinions.

Last but not least here's a link to successful long term investment.
http://www.investopedia.com/articles/00/082100.asp
Enjoy reading!!.

Cheers