In this article we will see how the power of the word can persuade, hurt or simply get something, even with positive intent, from the interlocutor.
Last update: January 16, 2022
The power of the word is immense. Although many say that an image can be worth more, and in some cases it is true, we must not forget that all the words spoken have a value. The most apparently insignificant statement can be harmful depending on the circumstances.
On numerous occasions we hear the famous saying that "a picture is worth a thousand words". However, a word can hold enormous power and it can be devastating.
"Like beautiful flowers, with color, but without perfume, they are the sweet words for those who do not act according to them."
-Buddha-
In this article we will see how the power of the word can to persuade, hurt or simply get something, even with positive intentions, from the interlocutor.
The power of the word that hurts
The power of the word is such that it doesn't take too many to arouse intense joy or deep sadness. Many times a sentence is enough that validates the emotion we feel or that, conversely, attacks our weakest point.
Who doesn't have a manipulative friend who knows how to use words to get what he wants from us? To whom have never been addressed words full of anger, resentment, pain, rejection or sadness?
Whether we like it or not, the word is the most used form by humans for communication. It is an exchange that leaves its mark. Who among us does not remember phrases that caused pain or brightened up the day?
The power of the word in love
The power of the word is not only great when it is meant to hurt. It also serves to describe feelings such as pleasure, kindness, love or gratitude.
We have been able to create some of the most beautiful words to talk about what we like: the beauty, friendship, solidarity or charm that surround us.
What would love be without words? Is there anything nicer than telling your loved one how you feel about them and letting them know how important they are in their life?
It is evident that the power of the word is enormous when you want to communicate all that is good and beautiful in our life, this is probably one of the best uses.
The empty words
There are people who are able to speak without saying anything. Some people manage to speak for a considerable period of time without drawing a clear conclusion from their words.
When one holds a position of responsibility, a mixture of anger, sadness and helplessness is created in the citizen. Anger because the public representative has a duty to make sense of communication.
Sadness because he feels part of the company that put him in charge. And helplessness because, despite his efforts, he is unable to connect to the communication channel.
"Words are like coins, one is worth as many as many are not worth one."
– Francisco de Quevedo –
The power of the word: what we say to each other
Another important aspect that we must take into account is the inner dialogue. We must also pay attention to the words we address to ourselves, because they influence us.
When we talk to ourselves we choose certain words and not others. Often not recognizing the importance and effect their use can have on us.
The words we use when we think they can have a powerful effect on our emotions, moods and the way we see the world. Therefore, it is important to choose them carefully.
For example, when we say “I don't want to study” or “I will never reach the weight I want” we are not describing a situation, but we are making a statement that determines one's reality.
When we talk about us or make absolutist statements such as "never" or "always", we are referring to a finished product and, aware or not, we predispose the mind to continue to act in the same way.
That's why it's important to speak kindly. If we don't do it first, no one else will. We may have learned to dedicate these words to others, but to us?
It is common not to value oneself properly, to put oneself in second place and to undermine one's self-esteem. It is then that the "I am unable" or "I cannot" resonate in our lives and become reality.
The power of the word: words that lie
We are all capable of spreading lies in an attempt to attract the interlocutor's attention. Lying finds a much more faithful accomplice in written or spoken language than, for example, in mimicry.
It is a pity that the linguistic wealth we have at our disposal is sometimes used to insult, lie, discriminate or distort reality, because no word on this planet deserves such use.
Conclusions
The word has enormous power. It can be a source of beauty, poetry, creation, love, life, food for the soul, optimism. But, like everything in this world, there is a dark side that upsets and oppresses her, screams and strangles.
There seem to be more and more voices trying to make their message stand out on the others, raising the tone or gravity of the actions. They attack others thinking that the validity of their message guarantees the necessary moral protection to distort the life of those who oppose or remain indifferent.
The responsibility with which we exercise and enjoy the power of the word is individual. Using it to create, build, share, caress or embrace instead of attacking, hurting or destroying is the decision of the individual.
