Your Words Make a Difference

Words are powerful. They have the ability to evoke any human emotion. Words can start, or end fights. They can make you a friend, or create an enemy. You are judged by the words you use. Use the wrong words and you risk being misunderstood. If the words you choose aren’t clear, no one will know what you’re talking about. We all know the frustration of interacting with people who can’t convey a cogent thought, regardless of how much they say or write.
Words are the essence of human interaction. They are used for teaching and learning. The ability to clearly communicate your thoughts is priceless. Not being able to explain yourself is frustrating. Shouting or yelling is never a replacement for using the appropriate words.
Words once used can’t be recalled. Everyone has their own examples where they regretted the words they used. Thinking before speaking always works in your favor. Attempting to communicate when you are angry, upset, resentful, or are experiencing any other negative emotion doesn’t improve a situation.
Whatever you put in writing, email, text, social media, or voicemail is a permanent record of your words. Anything you say which is mean, disparaging, or negative will never be forgotten. You want to use words you will be proud of and never regret.
When emotionally stressed, allow enough time to cool off before figuring out how to respond. Don’t communicate in any way until you are calm enough to think logically. If you need to let off steam, write down your feelings but don’t send it to anyone.
Before deciding what words to use, determine what result you are looking to achieve. Ideally, you should be striving to improve a situation rather than degrade it. If you are addressing a problem, your words should be solution oriented.
When faced with conflict, the goal is to deescalate and resolve the situation. Don’t make accusations or tell the other person what they should do. Talk about how the situation affects you and ask, “What do you think would be a good way to resolve this?”
Since the words you use make such a difference, it makes sense to select them carefully. The time spent thinking before speaking or writing is well worth it. If you are dealing with a problem, focus on solutions. If you are faced with a behavior issue, use encouraging words which lead to corrective action.
Use words that guide rather than dictate. Ask instead of demand. Questions are a gentle approach to guiding a conversation. Making statements causes people to become defensive and shut down.
Use words which are considerate. Please, thank you, and I really appreciate it, create a positive energy which encourages reciprocity. People love to be acknowledged. Someone who feels appreciated is a lot more pleasant than a person who feels ignored.
The words you use when speaking to yourself are just as important as the words you use when communicating with another person. You mind believes whatever you tell it. If you tell yourself all that is possible, you program your mind accordingly. Conversely, when you tell yourself what you can’t or won’t do, your mind restricts your actions.
There are numerous opportunities each day to practice using words that have a positive impact. Thank the person who holds open a door for you. Encourage a friend or family member to pursue their goals. Say hello to the person in line behind you in a store. Call a friend to say hello and see how they are doing.
Pay attention to the words you use. If you are not getting the desired results, change what you are saying or writing. With practice, picking the right words becomes automatic.