Words that we utter, words that we shout, words that we express hold different meanings. There is a power in the words we speak. Our words carry great weight for those to whom we say them. However, the words alone are not what make them powerful. It is our intention, our tone, our inflection, and our desired outcome of speaking those words that give words their greatest power.
“Words are singularly the most powerful force available to humanity. We can choose to use this force constructively with words of encouragement, or destructively using words of despair. Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble.”
-Yehuda Berg
Our tone of voice and our body language play a major role in giving power to our words. Just as words have more power when they are strung together with other words to intentionally give them power, our tone of voice and our accompanying body language give added power to our words.One of the most common sources of conflict among people is the way we communicate. Oftentimes, conflicts do not arise because of the diversity of opinions and beliefs. Diversity is necessary for thought exchange and ultimate growth.
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The true source of conflict, rather, is in the way we express our opinions and communicate disagreement. A blaming, sometimes even aggressive tone of voice can seep into our language, which invites confrontation instead of collaboration, and conveys a closed ‘my way or no way’ kind of approach. Raising the voice to convince the words we are saying will neither prove the point nor will it empower our words. To power the speech is to choose and communicate the words properly according to the place, people, and situation.
So, why do we argue? More to the point, why do we raise our voices? Violence, even verbal violence, in the face of confrontation is an expression of our social and emotional limitations. When we hit a wall and can no longer see options, we lash out at things, at people, sometimes even at ourselves.
Sadly, emotions like hatred, fear, anger, frustration and resentment can be expressed and fuelled by words. Whether words are written or spoken; they have the power to break and destroy healthy environments as well as relationships. It is vital to always speak the truth, but we must be mindful about what we say and how we say it. Our words can change everything. The powerful, positive, and beautiful words can heal and uplift. When spoken with truth, the words have the ability to change lives. Always think about how we communicate. Our words can encourage people to achieve greatness. Our words can support and even heal someone’s suffering. Our words can nurture, nourish, and inspire someone.
If we react and respond to a situation with destructive words, the implications can be overwhelming and soul destroying for the recipient. It is extremely easy to put voice to our feelings and thoughts; however, it requires control, strength, and absolute integrity to express ourselves in a positive way no matter the situation. The way we string together certain groupings of words into sentences give meaning, life, and strength to the words.
It is critical that we choose our words carefully and wisely in all instances. Many of us have uttered things that we wish we could go back and “rewind the tape” so as not to say what we said. But our words cannot be unsaid; our actions cannot be undone. While we can augment, tweak, clarify, apologize, and re-state, we cannot unsay the words we have stated.
Really think about the fact that your words hold incredible power both positively and negatively. Everything that is expressed verbally has the power to influence and change the lives of all we share our world with. It is our choice to use words that inspire or destroy. Once said, our words cannot be retracted.
Many people are compelled to give voice to any passing feeling, thought or impression they have. They randomly dump the contents of their mind without regard to the significance of what they are saying. When we talk about trivial matters as in gossiping about others, our attention is wasted on trivialities. When we speak we should speak with mindfulness so as to have peace and compassion in our characters.
Not only do our words matter, but also the tone which we use has a huge impact. There are certain rules that should guide our communications with others. Always speak the truth, avoid exaggerations, be consistent in what we are saying, don’t use double standards in addressing people, don’t use our words to manipulate others, and most importantly do not use words to insult or belittle anyone.
We are not only the architects of our lives, but also of the elements that make up those lives; this includes our relationships. The quality of those relationships is revealed in the character and intention we bring to them. Our words, and the way we deliver them, illuminate our intention, and scribe the character of the path we design for ourselves and the people associated with our life.
“Raise your words, not your voice. It is the rain that grows flowers, not thunder.”
– Rumi
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