Transform your leadership outcomes by changing just twelve everyday words 

In Psycholinguistics for Leaders: 12 Words All Leaders Should Stop Using, Ryan Avery, the 2012 world champion of public speaking and trained organizational psychologist, reveals how small shifts in everyday language create monumental changes in leadership outcomes. Drawing on linguistic data, original research, and real-world stories gathered over the last decade, Avery identifies the specific words that erode trust and weaken authority. 

The book blends science and storytelling to show why certain common words kill momentum, spark confusion, or undermine connection, and what to say instead. Avery provides replacement language designed to drive clarity, commitment, and trust. Each of the twelve words is examined through psycholinguistic research, giving leaders evidence-based strategies to communicate with greater influence and impact across every interaction. 

Readers will also discover: 

• Evidence-based explanations of how specific word choices shape perception, trust, and team motivation in leadership contexts 

• Practical replacement language leaders can adopt immediately to strengthen authority and build deeper connection with their teams 

• Original research on whether fear or hope is more scientifically effective for influencing others in professional settings 

• Real-world stories from a decade of coaching executives, leadership teams, and C-suite professionals across multiple industries 

• Psycholinguistic frameworks that connect everyday language patterns to measurable changes in leadership clarity and team commitment 

Ideal for CEOs, executives, and leaders at every organizational level, Psycholinguistics for Leaders provides a research-backed approach to communication that replaces counterproductive language habits with precise, influence-driven alternatives, helping leaders build trust, create clarity, and inspire commitment through the words they choose daily.