3 Ways To Using Words Wisely

Choosing your words wisely is probably the basis of all spoken communication. No matter what type of conversational setting a person is in, making sure the right message being conveyed is all in what words that person uses.

1. Watch what you say in front of certain people. I think that this is very important because there are some things that you don’t tell people. Whether it’s something mean or something personal, that should remain personal, everything isn’t meant for everyone to hear. You also want to make sure that if you are telling a person something, that you’re okay with anyone around possibly overhearing what you say. If you’re not comfortable with someone around knowing what you have to say, then it’s simply not the right time or place for you to say it.
2.  Understand that a lot of words in the English language have more than one meaning and it’s very possible for your words to be taken out of context or misinterpreted by using these words incorrectly. My advice would be to use any synonym of the word if possible and if you’re not able to use a synonym, make sure to use context clues in your wording so that the person or people you’re talking to understand which definition of the word you’re trying to use.
3. I’m sure we’ve all heard the phrase, “It’s not what you say, but how you say it.” This simple cliche also plays an important part of using words wisely. The pronunciation and annunciation of a word doesn’t have the power to change the meaning of it, but it can definitely change the interpretation of it.

Opinions & Silence

Now, I know what some of your are thinking, “How can you be silent if you have to voice your opinion?” The answer, you don’t have to voice your opinion.

After hearing a small group of teenage females talking while standing behind them in line to check out at the store. Now, I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but I did over hear them talking about sex.  No biggie, we’re all grown, I’m a mature guy, and I know that reproduction has literally been going on since the beginning of time. The angle that the conversation took was what took me back a little. One girl, looked to be no more than 17, asked, “If I think a guy I’m sleeping with unprotected is sleeping with someone else and we’re not in a relationship, what should I do?” One of her friends said something along the lines of, “As long as the sex is good and he doesn’t give you anything, keep sleeping with him, ” and the trio continued to talk bouncing off opinions and they checked out and left the store.

Now, I’m far from a morals expert, but I just felt like the friend just steered the girl in the wrong direction. Sometimes, it’s just best to keep some things to yourself. And this can work in many different situations and scenarios. Sometimes no opinion is the best opinion a person can have and by staying silent, that person remains neutral and other people can think fro themselves, because I hope that that girl did not take her friend’s advice.