The Power of Words

Recent events have caused me to reflect on the power of words to connect or disrupt.

Have you ever had a situation where someone completely misunderstood you because of the words that were used in the communication?

Communication is general accepted to be composed of the words we use, the tone in which we say them and the way our body language appears when we say them. Two other things are also important however - the context in which and the medium with which we provide the words.

Words are a limited means of communication - they are very often incapable of communicating the meaning behind them - especially if they exist in isolation of a page.

A 'tongue-in-cheek' event that makes perfect sense if you are physically present and able to explain can have an entirely different meaning when read simply as words on a page - often with disastrous consequences.

Something that gets a great response when people are present can fall completely flat when read by others who are not present.

Words can be both friends or covert enemies - guard your words and use them with careful intent. Remember that others preceive the world differently from you.