The Power of Words a.k.a Your Words Matter
I was speaking with a new friend and told him that it takes ten positive comments to offset every 1 negative comment regarding self-esteem.? Our conversation started me on this Chautauqua. Words have been on my mind recently, partly because my new position focuses on empathy and active listening. Words allow us to ask open-ended questions. Words help us make connections, they express our concerns for others, and let people know we understand them and their words.? Words can profoundly impact our self-esteem, confidence, and overall well-being. Just as negative words can erode our sense of self-worth, positive words have the power to uplift, encourage, and inspire.
In the article,?Measure Twice Cut Once, I wrote about how we should carefully consider what we say.? Words and word choice were also a central theme in my post If You Can’t Say Anything Nice.? A couple of days after the conversation with my friend, I came across a LinkedIn post that fit into the Chautauqua nicely. ? I was not looking for it but saw it anyway, maybe because it is easier to notice things that we are thinking about.??
The post shared a clip of? Mohammed Qahtani, a Saudi Arabian engineer’s, 1st place speech in the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking. In his speech, he highlighted the power of words, stating that they can be a source of strength or discouragement. This was exactly what my friend and I were discussing.??
He went on to say, “Words have power, words are power, words could be your power,? you can change a life, inspire a nation, help make this world a more beautiful place.? Your mouth can spit venom or it can mend a broken soul.” Please watch his speech to fully grasp this train of thought. https://youtu.be/xwbI8VOsDTo?si=1o3oCNoaLFhGAJmN
Mister Rogers from the popular television show, said, "If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person." I include conversations in the same context as a meeting.
Your words should make the folks you meet feel better than before your interactions.? Thinking of this and what to tile this little journey thought, reminded me saying, the pen is mightier than the sword.? The old proverb means that language and thinking are more effective than violence or force in influencing people and events. The phrase was coined by English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839 in his play Richelieu; Or the Conspiracy. The line is spoken by Cardinal Richelieu, who understands the power of words to influence, persuade, and change the course of history.
As we delve deeper into the power of words, let us consider examples from history, literature, and personal experiences. From the stirring speeches of Martin Luther King Jr. to the timeless prose of Shakespeare, we see how language has been used to move hearts, spark revolutions, and challenge the status quo. Ideas take flight and dreams become reality through the artful manipulation of words.
In our exploration, we must recognize the role of empathy and active listening in effective communication. By truly understanding the perspectives and emotions of others, we can craft our words with greater sensitivity and impact. As I reflect on my position as a learning and development professional I am reminded of the connection between empathy, active listening, and the power of words to foster understanding and build connections.
Facilitators harness the power of words every day. It's not merely about hearing words but about truly understanding the underlying meaning and emotions behind them. Active listening, demonstrates empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to comprehend the speaker's perspective. This sets the stage for meaningful dialogue and fosters trust and rapport.
One key aspect of active listening is the ability to use similar words to reflect back to the speaker, their thoughts, which not only demonstrates our understanding but also allows them to clarify and expand on them. This simple technique validates the speaker's experience and encourages deeper exploration of ideas.
In addition to active listening, skilled facilitators leverage the art of words to ask open-ended questions to stimulate critical thinking and promote engagement. Open-ended questions invite participants to reflect, analyze, and articulate their thoughts more fully.
A Facilitator might ask, "Can you elaborate on how you interpret this concept?" This encourages participants to delve deeper into their understanding, identify gaps in their knowledge, and articulate their ideas more clearly. Moreover, open-ended questions empower participants to take ownership of their learning process, fostering a sense of autonomy.
Furthermore, open-ended questions serve as powerful probes to assess the level of learning and uncover misconceptions. By prompting participants to articulate their understanding, facilitators can identify areas that require further clarification or reinforcement. This allows for targeted exchanges and ensures that learning objectives are met effectively.
As we conclude our Chautauqua, let us consider how we can harness the power of words for positive change in our lives and communities. Whether through acts of kindness, expressions of gratitude or calls for justice, each of us has the ability to make a difference through our words. Let us use language as a tool for empowerment, enlightenment, and empathy, knowing that even a few kind words can change a life.
Let us carry these lessons with us and embrace our role as stewards of the spoken and written word. Let us use our words to speak truth to power, stimulate learning, lift up those in need, and build a brighter future for generations to come. Indeed, in the eternal struggle between the pen and the sword, the pen ultimately prevails, leaving an indelible mark on the pages of history.