I have learned that words, whether spoken or written will have an effect on those listening to or reading them. The effect that they have may vary, but words will always have an impact.
The problem with words is that they are almost always open to individual interpretation. A writer or speaker may hope to take you down their path of understanding – but they have no real guarantee that you will follow.
I remember back in high school our English teacher would assign us books or passages out of books to read and then she would ask us to tell her what the author was trying to convey, then she would tell us the “right answer”. This always bothered me. How could anyone really know what “right answer” truly was– unless we could ask the author ourselves? Without this capability might many of us misinterpret the true intentions of the author?
Spoken words often contain more power and can be misinterpreted more readily because you have to factor in the “live human”. As humans we are prone to using body language to accentuate our words. We may not be aware of the subtle gestures, facial expressions, and even posture which we exhibit as we hold conversations with one another.
These conscious or unconscious gestures and expressions are just as open to individual interpretation as the words which accompany them.
Today was one of those days when as an outsider looking in on the world around me that I felt the need to share these words….
Please choose your words carefully so that those around you can easily follow the path you are intending us to follow, and provide you with the understanding that you are seeking. If you are not sure we are following you – ask us, or allow us the opportunity to ask you.
Without understanding there can be no further conversation, no part 2 of the story and most important, without understanding – change cannot occur in a way which is beneficial to EVERYONE.
Words hold power.
Words absolutely hold power.