Words are one of the most powerful tools we possess.

Your words have power.

Because of this—it’s important to recognize that words matter.

I don’t think that many people take the time to really think about how powerful their words can be. One positive or negative word from us to another person can affect their entire day.

Words have the power to inspire, motivate, comfort, and heal. But they can also cause harm, pain, and damage to ourselves and others.

Too often, I hear people talking in a conversation without really thinking about the impact of what they’re actually saying.

Yet, others know exactly what their words can do.

I think this is why I like public speaking so much. You begin to realize how powerful words are and how powerful stories can be.

Words can impact people just by speaking them.

Leaders throughout history have understood the power of words.

If you were to look back through history, it would be very easy to see the power words have had on societies and even nations.

You will find leaders who have used their words to incite hate and violence that have led to terrible wars and destruction.

Other leaders have used their words to spread love, kindness, and respect for others.

Just as one example, Martin Luther King Jr. used his words to bring people together and helped to change the perspective of an entire nation.

His I Have a Dream speech is something that people will never forget. Those beautiful words had such a positive impact on the world.

There are many examples of leaders throughout history who have used their words to impact the world both positively and negatively.

There is no denying that words have been a part of every major event.

The power of words.

Words are powerful because they affect people emotionally, intellectually, and physically. They can have a lasting impact on a person’s self-esteem, confidence, and overall well-being.

How we speak to ourselves, and others can influence our thoughts, beliefs, and actions and even shape our perception of the world.

Words have the power to heal or to hurt. They have the power to lift someone up or to tear someone down.

Positive words have the power to uplift, motivate, and inspire people.

When we use positive words, we can build people up, encourage them to keep moving forward, and create a sense of hope and optimism.

Positive words can also help us to connect with others, strengthen our relationships, and promote empathy and understanding.

Negative words, on the other hand, can have a destructive impact on people.

When we use negative words, we can damage people’s self-esteem, create feelings of worthlessness and shame, and discourage people from pursuing their goals.

Negative words can also damage relationships and foster an environment of mistrust.

We need to be mindful of the words we speak—especially to our children.

As a parent, I have learned the importance of using positive and supportive words when speaking to my children.

Rather than saying my child is clingy, I can use the words loving and loyal to describe them. Instead of calling my child bossy, I can help them use this unique skill set to become a great leader.

When we speak to our children, we need to be careful of the messages we are sending them and make sure we are helping them see the best parts of themselves.

How we speak to our children (and others) will often define who they are for the rest of their lives.

We can use our words to lift and encourage them to become great humans. Or we can use our words to destroy their self-esteem and cause them to feel ashamed, unvalued, and unloved.

Our children need our loving and encouraging words to help them grow into the best versions of themselves.

While it’s important to tell the truth, we can give feedback in a way that won’t tear people down but help them grow instead.

Here’s how we can spread positivity through our words.

Use Positive Words: Speak kindly to others and avoid negative or hurtful language. Use words that are uplifting and inspiring. Most of all, focus on the good in people and tell them the good you see.

Give Compliments: When you see someone doing something positive, give them a compliment. This will make them feel appreciated and valued and help encourage them to keep up the good work. This is especially important for our children.

Practice Active Listening: Listen to others with an open mind and heart. Try to understand their perspective. Then make sure to respond with empathy and compassion.

Show Gratitude: Express your gratitude to others for the things they do. This will help them feel appreciated and valued. Encourage others to continue doing positive things and focusing on the good in the world.

Here are some things to avoid with our words.

To avoid causing harm with our words, there are some things we should avoid doing.

Avoid Negative Self-Talk: Don’t speak negatively about yourself. Negative self-talk will absolutely affect your self-esteem and confidence. Instead, practice positive self-talk. Positive affirmations are a great way to do this. Make sure to focus on your strengths and accomplishments.

Don’t Judge Others: Avoid making negative judgments about others. Instead, practice empathy and understanding. Make it a point to look for the good in people and let go of everything else.

Don’t Gossip: Avoid talking about others behind their backs. Gossip can be hurtful and damaging, and it leads to even more negativity and resentment.

Don’t Use Insensitive Language: Avoid using language that may be hurtful or insensitive to others. Be aware of the words you are saying and how they are impacting the people around you.

Think before you speak.

If there is any one piece of advice I could give you, it would be the same advice my mother gave me when I was a girl.

My mom would always say, “Think before you speak.”

As a kid, it seemed quite annoying to me to hear this statement over and over again.

But as an adult, I can see the wisdom in my mother’s words.

When we speak, it’s important for us to recognize that we are talking to another person. We need to take a moment to consider our words and ask ourselves if they are kind, respectful, and appropriate.

The words we speak may be really difficult for another person to hear. They could also negatively affect them and cause undue hurt and pain.

Our ability to think about what we are saying before we say it can make life much easier for all of us.

We can also take a break before responding if we are feeling overwhelmed or emotional. This will help us to gather our thoughts and respond in a way that is respectful and constructive.

Never forget that the words we speak matter.

So let’s do all that we can and use our words to spread a little more positivity and kindness.