Don't say: "That's not my job."

Why: If your superior asks you to do something, it is your job。

Instead say: "I'm not sure that should be my priority right now." Then have a conversation with your boss about your responsibilities。

不要说"That's not my job."(这不是我分内的事。)只要你的上司让你做，那你就得做。我们可以说"I'm not sure that should be my priority right now."(我不确定现在是否应该先做这事。)然后告诉老板你需要负责哪些。

Don't say: "This might sound stupid, but…"

Why: Never undermine your ideas by prefacing your remarks with wishy-washy language。

Instead say: "What's on your mind?" It reinforces your credibility to present your ideas with confidence。

不要说"This might sound stupid, but…"(也许这听上去有点愚昧，但是……)永远不要在发言前加上这种优柔寡断的前缀来削弱自己的观点。可以说"What's on your mind?"(你怎么认为?)这样可以增强你的可信度，让你充满自信地发表意见。

Don't say: "I don't have time to talk to you."

Why: It's plain rude, in person or on the phone。

Instead say: "I'm just finishing something up right now. Can I come by when I'm done?" Graciously explain why you can't talk now, and suggest catching up at an appointed time later. Let phone calls go to voice mail until you can give callers your undivided attention。

不要说"I don't have time to talk to you."(我没时间跟你说。)无论是当面说还是在电话里说，这话都是相当粗鲁的。我们可以说"I'm just finishing something up right now. Can I come by when I'm done?"(我现在正忙着要完成一些事情，等我做完了再来找你行吗?)礼貌地向别人解释为什么现在不行，并且提出稍后的约定时间。打电话时除非你能把所有注意力都放在对方身上，否则就选择语音邮件的形式吧。