Speech comes in many forms: words, tone of voice, facial expression, body language, even silence can “speak” volumes.
This month’s winning word that Drug Free Charlotte County is passing out during parent pick-up at our elementary schools is “SPEECH.” This word is on the front of the magnet and the word tip on the back is “ACCENT POSITIVE WORDS.” Many believe that it’s not “what” we say, but “how” we say it that carries the most impact. This is probably true, but the words themselves carry a heavy weight. And, once said, they can’t be taken back. The hearer can remember them forever and either be encouraged or devastated by them. Yes, words have power to build or destroy.
Because words come so easily to us…often so fast as to be in the mind and out the mouth in a flash…we may not take time to consider their direction or impact at all. “Free speech” is very dear to us.
Our encouragement to families this month is to accent, magnify, and speak words that are positive, that encourage and edify one another. Choose words carefully. Take a breath between mind and mouth to consider how best to express ourselves. Think about the hearers of the words. Which words will best make the point without wounding or confusing the listener.
Recently, I had the opportunity to talk about this with fifth-grade volunteers helping to pass out the winning words magnets. I spoke the same idea to them using negative words and then re-stated the same idea using positive words. I asked them which one they preferred. So, what happened? Yep, they’re putting that winning word magnet on their frig!
Words are powerful. Let’s speak them well.
By Rachel Struebing RN
Elementary Prevention Coordinator Drug Free Charlotte County