Words are energy in motion.  They speak directly to the conscious and subconscious mind, which is where we desire the shifts to occur in order to manifest change in our world.  Energy always does better when it is reinforced through a larger supply.  Enlightenment brings with it that larger supply or a greater degree of light.  "Plugging" into that light, so to speak, by focusing our attention, listening to and absorbing the energy that comes through one who is already enlightened and has achieved mastery brings enlightenment and healing.  It in effect, will "speed" the progress of those who are less enlightened.

  "...You may also learn that toughness is often contagious. If you find yourself in a tight spot and no-one else will do what needs doing and you step up to the plate with no apparent fear, other men will feel compelled to join you as they will be emboldened by your example. You will often find the odds are not what they originally seemed. You see, some people have all it takes within them to be a strong and valiant man, but that latent seed is looking for a reason to assert itself. Your manly example can provide that stimulus. In fact, I can't express strongly enough to you just how important it is to live your life as a worthy example for others who want to lead a manly and victorious life but don't know the way. Men want to be men by nature, but some of them need a little encouragement to allow them to "cowboy up" and realize the strength that they possess..."

 (Excerpts from "The Handbook of Manly Virtue: Every Man's Guide to Living as a Beacon of Reason in a World Shrouded in the Darkness of Irrational Emotionalism"  by Christopher Smith)