The Power of Words

Posted on March 20, 2007 
Filed Under Life In General

I have been reading a lot lately on the power of words. I have been reading the book, “Words that Work” by Frank Luntz. He is a professional political strategist, who applies scientific study to wordcrafting. Once he has words that work he uses them to help shape public policy, and frame the national debate. He was one of the chief strategists behind the “Contract with America”. Dealing with words every day, I am constantly in awe of how important words really are. I have my pet peeves, of course. I am not a big fan of the word fellowship, and one of my least favorites… when a church refers to what they do with children as programming, and not a program… last time I checked you programming is something you do to a computer!

But even more important than the words that work are the words that I share with those I love. My beautiful wife needs my words, so that we can always be on the same page with each other. My daughter needs to know that I love her and think she is wonderful. I learned this week that the next task of her language development is to take the words she already knows and begin to teach her how to extend those words. For instance, if she says “Daddy, car!” then I would say, “Yes Sally, a big black car.” So cool to know that we are teaching her how to speak.

I am in awe of language. I may not be the best wordsmith of all time. I may not be an elegant writer. I may not even always communicate what I am thinking with my words, but I am in awe of the fact that language is powerful. We shape out thoughts with words. We construct our relationships with words. We derive our attitudes about self through words. Words can crush a spirit, or words can make a spirit soar.

Next time you open your mouth to say something… think about that. I am learning to.

Comments

3 Responses to “The Power of Words”

  1. Becky on March 20th, 2007 3:17 pm

    Words are powerful…..but you have to use them.

  2. Christie on March 20th, 2007 8:50 pm

    I love that you are in awe of language. I love the language you share with me and with anyone around you that is willing to listen. Use of language is only as good as the listener is at hearing.

  3. Vivian Mekkelson on May 7th, 2007 2:04 pm

    Hah! I found you on Tim Stevens, leadingsmart.com

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