Why Handling Negativity Matters in Business Communication Skills
No matter how well-prepared you are, negativity can creep into a meeting, pitch, or presentation and handling it is one of the most important business communication skills you can learn. Maybe someone folds their arms, sighs, or even voices frustration. Unfortunately, in moments like that, many professionals freeze, ignore it, or try to power through.
However, ignoring negativity doesn’t make it disappear. It lingers, spreads, and undermines your message.
So how do you handle it?
One of the most effective tools I use, both on stage and in everyday conversations, is something called labelling. It’s a simple but powerful technique that every professional looking to sharpen their business communication skills should know.
What Is Labelling?
Labelling is when you identify and name the emotion or dynamic you notice in another person. It often starts with phrases like:
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“It sounds like…”
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“It seems like…”
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“It looks like…”
In other words, you’re not guessing or assuming, you’re simply acknowledging what you observe.
For example, in a meeting, if someone looks frustrated you might say:
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“It seems like this might not be matching your expectations.”
Or on stage, if the audience looks restless, you might pause and acknowledge:
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“It sounds like we’re ready for a change of pace, let’s dive into the next part.”
Why Labelling Works
As a magician, host, and communication skills speaker, connection is crucial to my performance and according to Harvard Business Review, reading emotions and dynamics builds stronger communication. Therefore, I use this technique often because it works in three powerful ways:
It Shows Empathy
By naming what you see, you’re telling the other person: “I notice you. I hear you.” That instantly creates connection.
It Creates Safety and Trust
People open up when they feel understood. Labelling gives them permission to express what they’re already feeling without fear of being dismissed.
It Diffuses Tension
When emotions are named, they often lose intensity. Consequently, even strong negativity can soften once it’s acknowledged.
That’s why labelling isn’t just a nice idea, it’s one of the most practical audience engagement strategies you can use in business and in life.
Labelling in Action on Stage
I have always found the technique particularly helpful on stage, when I’m hosting an event or delivering a keynote. It’s important to be tuned in to what the audience may be feeling.
If I sense restlessness, confusion, or even disengagement, I’ll stop what I’m doing, label it, and then move on.
As a result, the audience feels included and understood, rather than ignored.
After all, I don’t want anyone going home remembering that Ben Hanlin guy who couldn’t read the room. I want the audience leaving energised, engaged, and feeling like the night was about them. That’s the real secret to lasting connection, both on stage and in everyday business.
Final Thoughts: Strengthening Your Business Communication Skills
So if you want to strengthen your audience engagement or your general business communication skills, add labelling to your toolkit. It’s a simple, practical strategy that works whether you’re leading a team, pitching to clients, or presenting on stage.
The next time you sense tension, don’t ignore it. Pause. Label it. In conclusion, see how quickly the room shifts.
👉 Want to help your team sharpen their communication skills and connect more effectively? Take a look at my Keynote Speaker page.