The Power of Our Words

I want to tell you about a thought-provoking English session I had recently with one of my Turkish professors.

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We were talking about how our choice of words affects not only our lives but the lives of others.

She was saying immigrant, and I thought of how in Canada, we use the word newcomer instead.

We agreed that ‘newcomer’ made a difference in how we perceived the idea in a more positive way.

Have you ever stopped to think about the words you use daily? ??

Our words can lift someone up or unintentionally bring them down.

Often, we use negative words without realizing their impact—not just on others but on ourselves too.

The good news is that with small changes, we can make our language more welcoming and optimistic. ??

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Let’s look at a few common words and how tweaking them can create a positive difference:

Negative Words We Use (and Positive Alternatives!)

Let’s start by looking at a few words we often hear and how a simple tweak can make a big difference.

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• Immigrant → Newcomer While "immigrant" is technically correct, it can feel a bit cold or distant.

By saying "newcomer," we’re acknowledging someone’s fresh start and the exciting new chapter they’re beginning in a new country.

It’s more welcoming and friendly, isn’t it?

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• Cheap → Affordable The word "cheap" makes us think of something low-quality, even when we’re just talking about price.

But when we say "affordable," we’re focusing on value.

It’s a simple shift that instantly feels better to say.

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• Old → Experienced Whether we’re talking about people or objects, calling something “old” can sound a little dismissive.

It reminds me of the -ism, ageism and that hurts me.

Instead, when we say someone is "experienced" or that something is "seasoned," we highlight the value of wisdom and knowledge.

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Why Words Matter

Why does this matter?

Because the words we choose shape the way we see the world and how others see us. ??

When we make an effort to use positive words, we create a more inclusive and encouraging space.?

It’s especially important when we’re working with people from different backgrounds or situations.

A simple word change can make someone feel valued and understood. ??

For example, if we say someone is "struggling," it can feel heavy and hopeless.?

But if we say they’re "working through challenges," we’re recognizing their effort and resilience, which makes them feel empowered.

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The Power of Small Changes

You don’t need to overhaul your vocabulary overnight.

Start small!

Pick one or two words that you notice have a negative connotation and swap them out for a more positive alternative.

You’ll be surprised how quickly this small habit makes a big difference in your conversations.

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Words That Lift Us Up

At the end of the day, our words matter more than we often realize.

By making small tweaks to the way we speak, we can create a more positive, welcoming world for everyone around us.

So, next time you catch yourself using a word that might have a negative tone, try swapping it for something positive. After all, a few kind words can go a long way! ??