By Thuli Zulu
Have you ever found yourself replaying words someone said to you — hours, days, even years later?
We are all impacted by words considering words carry weight. It’s said that sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never harm me…really, I beg to differ! Words can certainly hurt and harm. Part of the awakening or a rude awakening, is when one has been impacted by words – spoken to us by others and often times to oneself.
I implore you to start listening to the words and language you subscribe and prescribe for yourself.
This is the season to recalibrate and give much thought to how we deliver, receive and respond to verbal cues and words hurled out into the ether. I’ve become more conscious of the language and conversation I use on a daily basis, as I too have picked up some uncanny habits along the way. Perhaps you can relate, so let’s keep ourselves in check.
Here’s a refresh and a reminder of what communication cues you should look out for and continue to be mindful of.
What’s in a word
Why
What is your why? are you communicating to get a point across with the intention to solicit a response and should you get a response, are you willing to get the feedback whether warranted or not.
What
What is the impartation of your message? Do you have a clear premise of your utterances. Can you clearly define and give clarity around your speech?
When
Timing is everything. You could have the words and rightfully so, however, gauge to see if it is the appropriate time to broach a subject unless you were scheduled to do so. Please let us not ambush people, as we all operate on different clocks and we are not on each other’s time.
Why not
Don’t say it as it could cause more harm or damage. A non-response or non-communication is a response on its own. It is also okay not to always have your last word.
Let us ruminate on words that we have formed a strong affinity with. Let’s remember the triple filter test – is it true, is it kind and is it necessary?
Mark my word.
Thuli Zulu is a Marketing, Communications, and Culture Expert. She is the CEO of Crea8 International – an international communications agency of novel initiators with the objective of identifying, investing in and building the best breed of initiatives in the marketing communications’ space.
Contact: thuli@crea8international.com
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