Wealth | Lifestyle
The “Rich” Lexicon: How to Speak Like You Have Time
It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It
Leisure attitude. That’s the new word that I learned today, right at the beginning of the new year. I’ve never heard it before and was caught off guard when a close friend mentioned it.
It started with an Instagram video — as with all life-altering conversations.
I mentioned to my friend that I wanted to be like the celebrity whose video I just saw. I told her, “I want to be more like her, the way she talks is so demure, so slow. Like time waits for her and everyone listens to her. I tend to talk like I’m driving on the German Autobahn, perhaps it’s the Millennial or Gen Z spirit in me. No cap, but that’s how I feel.”
The Perception of Wealth
I shared with her that I’ve noticed a pattern: people in higher tax brackets tend to speak more slowly.
Their slow pace often makes us wonder if it’s because they feel they have all the time in the world or if they have so little to think about that when they do contemplate something, it warrants a drawn-out conversation to work it through.
Talking fast is cute. When you’re in your Cher from Clueless era, either in your late teens or starting out in your career. But when you reach a certain maturity and milestone in your life and you want to sit at the big kids table, you need to be perceived as having achieved success in life — even though that may not be true at this moment.
Language as a Reflection of Lifestyle
If you’ve watched Landman, you may think that the oil and gas world is a great story. However, I grew up in the oil and gas community.
I’ve had friends and family who either worked or owned an oil company and everything that is happening in Landman is spot on! Right down to the way how Demi Moore and John Hamm speaks. Slow, calculated and precise.
These successful individuals, whether in finance or oil, possess one key advantage that most of us do not — time.
They have the luxury of time because they have managed to buy back their time by hiring people to do things for them. Whether it be cleaning their house, cooking or driving, wealthy people have time because they don’t have to rush from one task to another like the rest of us do.
Most of us juggle multiple responsibilities, including full-time jobs, side hustles, and caring for children and pets, all while trying to maintain a home and prepare healthy meals. It’s no wonder the majority of us are running around from one place to another.
People who have the privilege to speak in length, pacing themselves and taking a breath are masters of their own time. They don’t have a supervisor giving them deadlines or tasks to complete. They don’t have to slave at the stove to cook meals for the family. They can just sit, sip a Mint Julep and talk.
The Power of Language in Perception
The way we speak and the language we use can influence how others perceive our wealth and status in our society.
Language is a powerful tool that shapes not only how we communicate but also how we are perceived by others. Our choice of words, tone of voice, and speaking style can subtly convey information about our social and economic background.
As the famous saying goes “Money talks, but wealth whispers.”
Using slow, deliberate speech, precise vocabulary, and confident articulation can create an impression of wealth and sophistication. This phenomenon arises from the inherent link between wealth and leisure.
By refining our language and pacing ourselves when speaking, we are able to project affluence and sophistication.
How to Sound “Rich”
Anyone can sound rich without actually being rich. This is a craft and skill that we all can hone in on. We can cultivate a sense of leisure in our speech with a slow and deliberate pace.
To start, we should avoid rushing our words and incorporate natural pauses between sentences and even within them to emphasize key points. Additionally, it is important to project an air of calmness and composure, giving the impression that we have all the time in the world.
Another trait I’ve noticed among how affluent people speak is they speak distinctly, ensuring that each word is clearly audible and understood. They avoid mumbling words and use proper pronunciation and articulation, ensuring that their speech is both accurate and elegant.
Confidence and Assertiveness Are Essential Elements of “Rich” Speech. Speak with authority and conviction, and express thoughts and opinions with clarity and certainty. Take your time in expressing yourself.
Avoid sounding hesitant or apologetic, which can undermine your message and project an image of insecurity. Use strategic pauses and comfortable silences to convey confidence and authority. Deliberate pauses allow words to resonate and convey a sense of self-assurance.
Finally, minimize the use of filler words like “um,” “uh,” and “like.” These verbal crutches can make you sound unsure or hesitant, the opposite of someone who is accustomed to commanding attention.
Body Language and Non-Verbal Cues
Let’s not forget that body language plays a significant role in how our words are perceived.
We need to maintain an open and relaxed posture by standing or sitting upright with good posture. Avoid crossing our arms or legs, which can make us appear defensive or closed off.
An open posture conveys approachability and confidence, making us more receptive to others and fostering a more positive and engaging conversation.
Ineffective communication, we are often taught to use gestures intentionally and purposefully to emphasize key points and illustrate ideas.
However, when we are trying to be perceived as a person of leisure, body gestures go out the door. Emphasizing words through gestures is unnecessary when our presence commands attention.
Why We Need To Speak With a Leisure Attitude
As we enter the new year, there is a new saying “New year, new you”.
There are many reasons why speaking with a leisurely attitude could be beneficial for us. Perhaps we are aiming for a work promotion, looking to expand our network, or pursuing a more laid-back lifestyle.
A wise woman once said, “Perception is better than reality.” When we are seen as having achieved a certain status in life, things often become easier. Have you noticed how the right opportunities arise when you least expect them? Promotions can come seemingly out of nowhere.
The way we project ourselves to the outside world is one of the most valuable tools we have to help us reach our goals.
There is an art to speaking with a leisurely attitude. Lucky for us, this is one that we can all learn how to master.
