The Power of Words
Power of Words
Do you remember the saying as a child, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me?” The second part of this phase was and still is commonly overlooked, but many can oppose this statement according to personal experiences. Not only have people’s feelings been hurt by words, but many lives have been lost as well. The power of words is extremely powerful and can affect one emotionally, physically, and mentally. A certain phrase, phrases, or choice of words used can appeal to emotion. Author Jodi Picoult says, “Words are like eggs dropped from great heights; you can no more call them back than ignore the mess they leave when they fall.” (Picoult, nd) Jodi uses a simile to compare the mess that eggs can leave to the mess one’s words can leave behind. When someone says something disrespectful to another, it could be taken offensively. Some wish to take back things that were said after realizing it caused pain, hurt, and/or humiliation. However, if a compliment were given instead, this would arouse happiness, joy, self-confidence, pleasure, pride, etc. According to Angela Johnson, “When you hear a powerful positive statement it can change your whole mood. Positive words can change how you think about certain things even if you had a negative view of it before.” (Johnson, 2012) Even after having a rough day, being able to hear such positive toned words could brighten anyone’s day. Words that appeal to happiness tend to give positive insights about a particular subject, person, or object. Whether appeal to emotion is intended to hurt or brighten, the right choice of words can accomplish the goal.
In addition to emotional health, words can also take a positive or negative physical toll. Barbara White suggests, “Words give out energy and a message which creates a reaction in others.” (White, nd) Impressions are based upon one’s actions, words, and behavior. If friendly kind traits are
Do you remember the saying as a child, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me?” The second part of this phase was and still is commonly overlooked, but many can oppose this statement according to personal experiences. Not only have people’s feelings been hurt by words, but many lives have been lost as well. The power of words is extremely powerful and can affect one emotionally, physically, and mentally. A certain phrase, phrases, or choice of words used can appeal to emotion. Author Jodi Picoult says, “Words are like eggs dropped from great heights; you can no more call them back than ignore the mess they leave when they fall.” (Picoult, nd) Jodi uses a simile to compare the mess that eggs can leave to the mess one’s words can leave behind. When someone says something disrespectful to another, it could be taken offensively. Some wish to take back things that were said after realizing it caused pain, hurt, and/or humiliation. However, if a compliment were given instead, this would arouse happiness, joy, self-confidence, pleasure, pride, etc. According to Angela Johnson, “When you hear a powerful positive statement it can change your whole mood. Positive words can change how you think about certain things even if you had a negative view of it before.” (Johnson, 2012) Even after having a rough day, being able to hear such positive toned words could brighten anyone’s day. Words that appeal to happiness tend to give positive insights about a particular subject, person, or object. Whether appeal to emotion is intended to hurt or brighten, the right choice of words can accomplish the goal.
In addition to emotional health, words can also take a positive or negative physical toll. Barbara White suggests, “Words give out energy and a message which creates a reaction in others.” (White, nd) Impressions are based upon one’s actions, words, and behavior. If friendly kind traits are
References: Johnson, A. (2012, March 5). The Power of Positive Words. Retrieved May 29, 2013, from Livin Life With Purpose: http://www.livinlifewithpurpose.com/2012/03/power-of-positive-words.html Bullying and Depression. (nd, nd nd). Retrieved May 29, 2013, from Bullying Statistics: http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/bullying-and-depression.html Picoult, J. (nd, nd nd). Quotes About Power of Words. Retrieved May 29, 2013, from goodreads: http://www.yourlifework.com/power-of-words.html Walker, G. (nd, nd nd). Dealing with Criticism. Retrieved May 29, 2013, from Oregonstate.edu: http://www.oregonstate.edu/instruct/comm440-540/criticism.htm White, B. (nd, nd nd). Power of Words. Retrieved May 29, 2013, from yourlifework.com: http://yourlifework.com/power-of-words.html