Let's talk about the power of words
“Words matter, and the right words matter most of all.
In the end they’re all that remain of us.” — John Birmingham
A warm welcome to my blog!
I am so pleased that you found your way here. If you would leave me a comment to say where you’re writing from and how you found my site, I would greatly appreciate it. In fact, if there is something you want to hear more about in a future blog, please feel free to say so and I will do what I can to oblige. Some of my musings here may be serious, others entertaining. I will also draw on trends in social media for commentary.
In the end, through this medium, my goal is to impress upon you how the effective use of words can change lives, contribute meaningful thoughts and perspectives to public discourse as well as conversations in your respective areas of interest. Words are inevitably what we will share through your projects, what we will talk about, edit and proofread to ensure that you meet your goals regarding what is being communicated. Words give us power.
It seemed fitting, therefore, that my first blog post be about the power of words.
The Power of Words
"Words are singularly the most powerful force available to humanity. We can choose to use this force constructively with words of encouragement, or destructively using words of despair. Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble." Yehuda Berg
Words matter. Joy, sadness, laughter, tears, love, hate, disgust, shame … these emotions are triggered by words. Words – each one and how they are collectively used – have the power to elicit responses according to how we group and pitch them. Having such power to evoke a range of emotions in another human being is not something we should take lightly. Indeed, do we use words wisely? I think many times we do not.
When we speak, we have added cues – a smile, furrowed brow, closed eyes, scowl – which embellish our intended meaning. Sometimes, our words and our body language are at odds, discernible for all to see. In those moments, sometimes we have the opportunity to offer clarity. The written word, however, does not have visual cues to augment what is intended by the writer. It is for this reason that mastering both vocabulary and syntax take on increased importance.
When we write, our words become the paint and paintbrush that create imagery for the reader and can elevate our work to art. It is the most profound and elegant blend, after all, that causes us to say, ‘a picture is worth a thousand words'.
What are your thoughts on the power of words? Have there been occasions when your own words have caught you flat-footed and did you get the opportunity to edit your delivery?
Contact me to see how we can make your next project a work of word art:
Tel: +44 787 239 6609 Email: sandra@sandramewint.com