Life and death are in the power of the tongue!

Our words affect the listener … in two ways. They deliver life or death to the one listening.

When I was at Goa University, in India, writing my PhD thesis, I had to be very careful with my words. My professor was very particular (in a good way). He wanted every word to have purpose! Every word. I hated it then, but I’m very thankful for it now.

Did you ever think about it, but the thing about words is that once you’ve uttered them, you can’t take them back.

Every time we speak, we make a choice  – positive construction or negative destruction.

The choice is ours!

This is tough for most of us. Why? Because it requires thinking. Ahead of time. And, unfortunately, most of us are not thinkers. We tend to be very impulsive with our words.

I’m a communications coach. I think emotional intelligence and behavioral ethics, along with thinking, should be included in a course on communication. HECK, THEY SHOULD BE TAUGHT IN SCHOOLS!

Whether we are negotiating a deal, selling something, or with our family or friends, we need to remember that the OUTCOME OF ANY SITUATION is affected by our words.

Think about it, if we’re offensive or too harsh with our words, when negotiating, we will lose the deal.

Or, if we’re selling a car, a piece of real estate, or cup of coffee, or even peanuts, we’ll lose that sale if we don’t watch our words. An offended customer will not buy!

And this thought has always puzzled me. Why is it that we so often end up hurting those we love the most? It is as if our ‘word filter’ gets disconnected when we are with our spouses, families and friends.

Hey, let’s be more careful with our words.

Let’s try to be kind and patient with those around us.

Remember, our words and actions reflect our thinking.