Think Before You Speak

Words, Have, Impact

Think Before You Speak

Think Before You Speak

Why is it that some people don’t understand what impact their words have on others? I can remember, as a child, being told, “think before you speak.” Or, “if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I was quiet after that. Ha! Just kidding, I wasn’t. But I recently had a conversation with someone and am merely writing this out as a thought for the day, or a week, or whatever time suits you best. What do you say that, upon reflection, you wish had a different impact? In this day and age where words fly by faster than ever, what words do you put into a room and how do they land there? Do you Feel, the word Feel is capitalized, the impact of words and conversations you have with others?

Some words and conversations are trivial. We don’t think too much about saying things like, “Hey what do you want for dinner?” or, “I’m going to the store, you wanna come with?” Sometimes, though, it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it. The tone of voice is something that lots of people don’t listen to as closely as they should as the words come out of their mouths. There are times I speak slowly, just to make sure my words come out the way I want to. Sometimes, even then, someone might interpret the words I say the wrong way. I can’t be in that person’s head to make my words fit whatever interpretation they want to have, but as the person saying the words, I can do my best to make the words have the Impact that I want them to have. So, what are your thoughts on this? Notice the energy in a room when you speak and after you’ve spoken, what’s different? It’s not always a visual cue that is the signifier. Let me know in the comments below or contact me here.

Dave Bahr is the founder of In-Sightful living. He works as an advocate for persons with disabilities and a usability specialist. [Schedule a Call with Dave here.]

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