Christian salespeople have a special place in the kingdom. We have more influence than people in many other positions. With that greater influence comes greater responsibility. That means we have to step up and adhere to a set of principles and practices that guide our actions. One of those is: Cultivating the practice of effective speech.
“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” Proverbs 18:21
The Bible recognizes the power if the spoken word. While salespeople may not have the ability to cause death or life, we can impact and influence the people around us by our speech. Since we talk with more people — our customers, coworkers, and managers — we have more opportunities to influence them by our language.
Here are four practices that support this principle:
1. Positive – not foul language
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29
There are two practices noted here: First, don’t use foul or abusive language. That means course language, curse words, other four-letter words as well as off-color jokes and double entendres. A Christian salesperson’s speech should be devoid of all of that.
Second, “let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” That means being careful about how you speak about people and situations. Instead of complaining, note the problem and offer a positive solution. Instead of just pointing out when something needs improvement or attention, offer the positive spin on it. Point out the positive in people. Your customers will look forward to seeing you, and your managers and coworkers will be subtly impressed with your positive outlook.
2. Gracious conversation
“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” Colossians 4:6
“Gracious” is defined By the Oxford Language Dictionary as ‘courteous, kind, and pleasant.” Grace, as in God’s grace, is part of the word. We give people grace with our language, and speak in such a way as it causes people to be attracted to us. Image what influence we would have on our colleagues and customers if our speech could always be characterized as gracious and attractive.
3. Gentleness
“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” Proverbs 15:1
In any confrontation or tense situation, be careful not to respond with harsh or emotional words. Instead, seek to respond with gentleness. Our words can diffuse a volatile situation and calm an upset person.
4. Effective sales language.
Being mindful of the power of the spoken word, Christian salespeople understand their responsibility to be good at what they do, particularly as it impacts the words they say to their customers. Christian salespeople ought to prepare and practice effective questions, and powerful presentations, so as to be as good at those words as they can be. No ‘shooting from the hip’ when preparation can make a difference.
“In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.” James 3:5
Christian salespeople have a unique place in the Kingdom. Because of their influence, they have a greater responsibility to be ‘salt’ and ‘light’ in a dark world. One way to light the flame is to cultivate the practice of effective language.
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