Unfortunately, this is a real situation for my mom who lives just outside of New Orleans. It’s a long story, but it’s something she deals with every day.

Some people freeze, or look the other way; others want to say “something”. But more often than not, well meaning people end up fumbling for words until they’ve planted their foot firmly in their mouth.

When it comes to offering words of comfort, most people just don’t really know what to say. And perhaps worse yet, they don’t know what not to say. So, that’s what prompted me to start this conversation with you.

Look around. I’ll bet you know someone who could use some words of comfort. Who do you know that is mourning a death in the family, nursing a sick child, or worrying about a loved one fighting in Iraq?

Try out these six tips

Will you be the person who offers words of comfort, or the person who fumbles for words? Try using these tips to prepare what you’ll say. Be sure to let me know how you do.

• Think before you speak

Ask yourself, “If someone said this (what you’re about to say) to my mother, would it be more comforting or more annoying?”

• Speak from your heart instead of your mind

Your heart says things like: “I’m so sorry, I’ve been thinking of you, You’ve been on my mind, How can I help, I can’t imagine what you’re feeling, You’re in my thoughts and prayers”. Your head speaks phrases like: “Hey I heard, Is it true, I can’t believe it.”

• Ask about support needed instead of prying for details

Focus your questions on offering to support the well being of the people involved. Words like: “How can I help, What can I do, What do you most need right now?”

• Resist the urge to talk about yourself or someone else you know

Taboo are phrases like: “I know how you feel, My aunt Betty went through that, I can relate”.

• Listen more than you speak

The discomfort of awkward situations sometimes drives us to fill moments of silence with words. Make peace with the silence. If the person wants to talk, be there to listen. If not, give them space.

• Refrain from giving advice

If you catch yourself thinking anything like: “If I were you…, When that happened to me…” Just zip it!

And finally, if possible, let your actions speak louder than your words. What you do, or don’t do, matters more than what you say. Remember, people don’t always remember what you say, but they always remember how you make them feel.

© 2007 Lora J Adrianse

As the owner of Essential Connections, Lora Adrianse is a catalyst for clients who aspire to create dynamic business relationships with their colleagues and customers. She authors a free monthly newsletter, "Relating@Work". Go to her website at http://www.connectionscoach.com to subscribe now! Lora also writes some thought-provoking blogs: Essential Connections, Get Your Career in Gear. and her newest offering: Your Customers Matter, Don't They?.

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