People are fascinating, aren’t they? A lot of folks will dodge a conversation even when the topic isn’t hard at all. Shame is usually what’s fogging up the windshield. Sometimes a little reframing of the words you use is all it takes to turn an awkward moment into an open door.

When I speak to groups about attitude and opportunity, I like to tell them about my high school job. I say I was a “gourmet express chef in a high-pressure, time-sensitive environment,” in charge of multitasking and keeping operations running smoothly. Then I let them sit with that for a second before I tell them what the job really was. It was Burger King.

I still don’t usually lead with “I’m a preacher.” That one word can clear a room faster than a fire drill. Instead, I tell people I’ve spent the last 29 years in personal development, helping others grow in career direction, mindset, knowledge, goal setting, and achievement. My work is rooted in ancient wisdom and applied to modern life.

Sooner or later, somebody asks who I work for, and that’s my favorite part. I tell them I work for the largest real estate owner in the world, someone who provides for the wealthy and the poor alike. I serve the richest man alive, who is also the most humble. He offers opportunity to everybody, looks past skin color, and pays attention to what’s possible in a person’s heart.

Then I ask if they’d like to work for Him too. Same truth, different door, and you’d be surprised how many people walk right through it.

Your turn. What do you do, and how are you saying it?

Just some thoughts.