Watch Your Mouth & What Comes Out of It

by Kelly Charles-Collins, Esq.

Make sure to read read it all - there's a video I recorded just for you ??

Food for Thought

There’s an old saying:

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

It’s a comforting childhood rhyme, but let’s be honest—it’s not true. Words can cut deeper than any stone and leave wounds that take far longer to heal.

Over time, I’ve seen how words, particularly online, can be wielded like weapons. Even leaders and business professionals—those who should inspire, empower, and guide—sometimes fall into the trap of posting with meanness, sarcasm, or disregard for how their words land. It’s one of the reasons I stepped away from platforms like Facebook. The negativity, even from those in positions of influence, was disheartening.

We forget that people are always watching, always reading. Words that might feel “funny” or “not about them” are still shaping perceptions—about you, your brand, and your values. Whether or not we mean for them to, our words send messages that can hurt, alienate, or divide.

The Heart of the Matter

Choosing our words wisely isn’t just about communication. It is our responsibility. Whether you’re at work, at home, or scrolling on social media, your words matter.

Language carries meaning and connotation, even when we don’t intend it. Misusing or dismissing that power is risky, especially now, when people are more on edge than ever.

I'm not telling you to sugarcoat the truth or avoid tough conversations and being direct. I am saying make sure that you are aligning what you say with purpose.

Strategic resistance—the art of responding with intention—teaches us this. When you speak, consider the impact.

?? Will your words encourage action, sow understanding, or lead to connection?

?? Or will they divide, diminish, or destroy?

The Power of Strategic Resistance

This is the very foundation of my upcoming masterclass: The Art of Strategic Resistance: How to Lead, Influence, and Win in High-Stakes Situations. I’ll show you how to use your voice and presence to communicate with power, clarity, and purpose—even in the most challenging environments.

If you’re ready to learn how to turn high-stakes moments into opportunities to lead, influence, and win, I’d love for you to join me December 11th at 12pm ET. It's complimentary but you need to register.

Implement This

Today, before you hit “post,” speak up in a meeting, or engage in a difficult conversation, pause. Ask yourself:

1. What am I trying to achieve with these words?
2. Am I offering clarity or creating confusion?
3. How might the person on the other side receive this?

And remember, silence can also be powerful.

When words fail, like my mom used to say to me, 'if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." ????♀?

Black Friday Deals

Finally, I recorded a quick video on my morning walk sharing information about my Black Friday deals! If you’re ready to level up your communication, leadership, or speaking, these offers are designed to give you the tools to thrive.

Whether you're sourcing deals for your team or yourself, we've got you covered with our High-Stakes Arena Black Friday Spectacular.

As you move through your day, embrace the power of thoughtful, purposeful words—they can be your most strategic tool in a world that desperately needs more healing and less harm.

Until next time, remember

Your voice is your superpower!

About the Author Kelly Charles-Collins, Esq., MBA:

Kelly Charles-Collins, is a leading high-stakes communications expert and strategist who equips teams and women leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs with world-class skills to communicate with clarity, confidence and credibility. An acclaimed employment law trial attorney and award-winning TEDx speaker, her expertise, has been celebrated in media outlets like ABC, NBC, CBS, Forbes, and Fast Company, and she’s been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Public Speaking Voice and a 2-time Most Inclusive HR Influencer Award winner. Her books, including "Unapologetic AF" and "Convo Catalyst," and her soon to be released "The Art of Strategic Resistance" offer real-world and practical perspectives for growth and impact.