Watching Our Words

Words are so important. The tongue can do more harm and good than any other part of our bodies. For those of us who can communicate orally and through the written word we must be very thoughtful with our words.

There is an old saying “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

Well, there are times when we may have to say things to people that are not nice. The trick is to say them in a way where people feel like we are trying to help and not hurt them.

Even then, the words are what is important. We must communicate in such a way that truth comes first. Vocal tone comes second. And information comes third.

We must always find words which communicate the truth. The truth about how we are feeling. The truth on how we feel about a situation. The truth must always come through in our words.

When we speak our tone is particularly important. Often, we yell or use a stern tone when it is not necessary. A point can come across by using and even tone. The more we use an even tone, the more likely we remain calm and think before we speak. The more we speak with an even tone, the better chance our message sinks in.

Truth and an even tone will help us deliver the information we want others to know. We have all been in meetings and discussions. Sometimes they get quite heated. The ones that do not are those where we get information in a way that we all feel as if we are receiving it thoughtfully, directly and with the belief that we will understand the message.

It is much harder to say the right thing than it is to write it. Sometimes we are unable to put a filter on our mouth. We speak too soon and without thinking. Then there are times when we want to speak and cannot find the words. We may say something, but it is not what we want.

In each of these situations, we often look back and wish we had or had not said what we did. We must remember even the greatest orators in history have had moments when the words did not come out right or not at all.

With writing, we can think things out. We can make any corrections. This means our writing should be more scrutinized. So, we should be even more cautious and thoughtful when putting words on paper. If it does not feel like the right thing to pen, then we should not write it.

We will always struggle with words. No matter what our intelligence. What we want to say or write will not always come out right.

But we must understand what words can do.

We must understand the harm and good they can give.

Then make sure the good comes out as much as possible.