Talking with Students is a Superpower

As educators, fostering student confidence remains one of our most crucial responsibilities. In our ever-evolving educational landscape, research continues to confirm that how we communicate with learners significantly impacts their self-esteem, resilience, and academic success. This week, I’m revisiting some simple yet powerful positive language techniques that have stood the test of time while adding new insights that align with current teaching approaches.

The Power of “AND” Instead of “BUT”

The first teaching tip continues to be remarkably effective: substituting the word “AND” in place of “BUT” when providing feedback. Consider this example:

“You were quiet, BUT you did not complete your work.”

Now, replace “BUT” with “AND”:

“You were quiet, AND you did not complete your work.”

When we use the word “BUT,” we often negate the positive behavior the student demonstrated. Switching to “AND” acknowledges their good behavior (being quiet) while simply stating an observation about incomplete work. This small change maintains student dignity while still addressing areas needing improvement.

The Confidence-Building Power of “YET”

Another enduring language strategy is adding the word “YET” to the end of “I CAN’T…” statements:

“I can’t understand this lesson.” versus “I can’t understand this lesson YET.”

This approach aligns with growth mindset principles. The simple addition of “YET” transforms a statement of defeat into one of possibility and ongoing development.

New Perspectives for Today’s Classroom

In today’s educational environment, we can enhance these foundational techniques with additional approaches:

Naming Progress and Specific Behaviors

When we recognize student progress, we should name concrete, specific behaviors. Instead of general praise like “Beautiful work!” try statements such as:

“Your illustrations show so much detail.”

“You really remembered our rule about including everyone!”

This specificity helps students understand exactly what they’re doing successfully. It gives them clear direction on what to continue doing and build upon.

Creating a Positive Learning Environment

Educators increasingly recognize that establishing a supportive and inclusive classroom environment is fundamental to student success. Our language choices are a critical component of building this environment. Using positive body language and showing genuine interest in your students’ lives helps build the rapport necessary for effective learning.

Balancing Technology With Human Connection

In today’s digital classrooms, technology tools and personalized learning supports play an important role. While schools now integrate various digital resources, our language choices remain crucial. How we communicate care, high expectations, and belief in our students’ capabilities matters more than ever in this tech-enhanced environment.

Some Food for Thought:

• How has your use of language evolved in your teaching practice over the years?
• What positive communication strategies have you found most effective in building trust with your diverse learners?
• How do you balance technological tools with human connection through language?

Language truly remains a powerful force in our classrooms. By mindfully choosing words that build rather than diminish confidence, we create learning environments where all students can thrive.

Language can be a real game-changer in the classroom. Explore the course Language Acquisition to learn more about language development and how you can help build your students’ communication skills.

[Update Note: This post has been refreshed for 2025 to incorporate current educational perspectives while maintaining the core message about the power of positive language in building student confidence.]

About the Author
Ellen Paxton is a respected expert in education and best known as the Chief Learning Officer of Professional Learning Board. As a two-time National Board Certified Teacher, Ellen has successfully published and customized online professional development courses and Learning Management Systems for 20 years to help teachers meet their state continuing education renewal credit requirements. Through ProfessionalLearningBoard.com, RenewaTeachingLicense.com, and ConnectedPD.com. Ellen has established solutions and maintained partnerships with several accredited universities, higher education institutions, teachers’ unions and state Departments of Education while setting strategic direction that makes a difference and overseeing implementation of popular online PD.