Dear ,

Words have power. Words are important. Words have meaning, and that meaning can change based on how words are used and put together. Choosing the right words can help you access your own personal power by inspiring, motivating and building bridges of trust. Kind language such as "I love you," "I think you are wonderful," "I appreciate you," "thank you," and "please" makes others feel good and creates positive outcomes. Yet, negative phrases such as "You should have" or "You are wrong" are shaming, judgmental, cause harm, tear down and make others feel bad. I challenge you to think about the lasting impression you are creating every time you speak or write an e-mail.

The power of words are also lasting in their permanency. Consider how someone else's words make you feel: on top of the world, happy or validated or in the depths of despair, insecure and needy. Think about how many times you re-play someone's words in your mind, re-looping the tape over and over, layering your own interpretation, good and bad. Words create a powerful impact and if misused, can be misunderstood and irreparably damaging. So be thoughtful and consider how you choose yours...I believe in Do-overs if you are trying to articulate something, but also remember that once you have said or written something, your words can't be taken back or re-done.
 
One of my concerns in this fast-paced, technically evolved world we now live in is how many more choices we have in our delivery vehicles. From Facebook to texting, your words are now locked in and can be an archive for anyone to see. Think about how your words have an enduring meaning and how you deliver that message as well. Your communication through your speaking, writing, texting, e-mailing, and even what you do not say through silence and other non-verbal cues can effect the meaning of what you are trying to say. Not only is what you convey critical, but also how you say it is imperative to getting your message across effectively. Consider your tone, timing, attitude, and delivery. The meaning of your words are important and could easily change or be misunderstood.
  
Are you saying what you really want to say? Are your words reflective of you and your values? Are you considering how your words will be received and how they will make the other person feel? Do your words and actions meet, creating more congruency with who you are as a person and how you want to connect?
 
Below are some "words of wisdom" about the importance of your words: 

• "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." - Winston Churchill  

• "The only way to make sure people you agree with can speak is to support the rights of people you don't agree with."- Eleanor Holmes Norton

• "Written goals have a way of transforming wishes into wants; can'ts into cans; dreams into plans; and plans into reality.  Don't just think it-ink it!" - Dan Zadra  

• "Use every letter you write, every conversation you have, every meeting you attend, to express your fundamental beliefs and dreams. Affirm to others the vision of the world you want. You are a free, immensely powerful source of life and goodness. Affirm it. Spread it. Radiate it. Think day and night about it and you will see a miracle happen: the greatness of our own life." - Robert Muller

I hope that you will become more aware of the power of your words. Practice speaking powerfully. Be in integrity with your words and take responsibility for what you put out in the world. Say what you mean to say. Tell the truth and tell it quickly. Be kind. Learn to say "no" gracefully. Listen more than you talk. Agree to disagree. Be conscious of your own personal style. And, next time you need to share something or ask for what you want, consider the Power of YOUR Words. To learn more about communicating effectively, see my May Evolve column titled "Make Your Words Stick."
 
Speaking of the power of words- not only do I write, but you can now see and hear me talk more about what I do on You Tube- Click here to see me in action and how I am now using my voice. And, if you would like to improve your level of confidence and communications both personally and professionally, contact me about Life Coaching or Inspirational Speaking.