The Power of the Spoken Word

The Power of the Spoken Word

In my path to intentionally improving myself, I came across a book written by John Eckhardt titled ‘The Power of Your Words.’ My everyday goal has become to be better today than the person I was yesterday, and I am working on this day by day. There’s so much wisdom in so many books just waiting for the world to search and be enriched.

The key aspects highlighted in this read refer to the profound impact that our spoken words have on shaping our reality, relationships and emotions as a force to either give life or bring destruction. While critics argue about the power of words as tools to shape one’s life, both sides believe that words are definitely powerful whether used as affirmations or incantations.

Now, as we explore the crux of the matter, may I pose the following questions:

• How often have you repeatedly said something about yourself, only for it to become true?
• Have you ever wondered: if you spoke to your friends the way you sometimes speak to yourself, would they still remain your friends?

The words we speak are not empty or passive. Words carry the power to make or break us. We are shaped by the words we continually speak, not by what we think. Often, we say things without considering the implications of our spoken words. Be intentional about your words. When we speak words of encouragement, we build a person up and if our words are full of discouragement we can tear a person down. Let us guard our tongue against careless speech. We should choose wisely how we speak to our children and spouses and those whom we lead. Are we leading with grace or are we limiting our colleagues because of how we speak to them? There should be grace in our conversations. Our words carry the power to uplift or discourage those who we interact with. How we speak begins with our thinking patterns. Speech begins in the heart. It is advisable to think before you talk! A positive mindset always brings out positivity.

Neuro-Science and Neural Pathways

Neuro-Science teaches us that what we repeatedly speak strengthens our neural pathways. Repetition builds remembrance. Our brains are said to work like a prediction machine meaning, that which we speak repeatedly will be assumed by our brains to be important and true. That which you constantly say will be taken by your brain as a command and it will then start to follow that script. If you’re constantly saying you’re tired, very soon your body will start getting tired. Constant fear talk strengthens anxiety and constant faith talk strengthens confidence. Ultimately our words create who we become.

This means that your words have the creative power to build or destroy you. It can also mean that you reap what you sow. Sow negativity you will reap negativity. Sow positivity and you will reap a good harvest. This is not to downplay your role in putting in the necessary action to fulfill your goals.

Words in Real Life

Let’s explore this theory in true life scenarios:

Did you know that if you threaten someone and they report you to the authorities you can yourself be arrested? Your words can get you into trouble before you even act on them!

We’ve often heard this expression in many movies before a person is arrested: “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say or do can and will be used against you in the court of law.” Here we see that there is power in the spoken word to work for you or against you. What you say can be quoted for or against you. Your words can incriminate you or keep you from saying what could potentially work against you.

There is no excuse for ignorance. Our words carry creative power. If a child grows up in an environment where there are no affirmations but criticism, they grow up with low self-esteem. A child who grows up in an environment where they are praised and corrected in love grows up confident of themselves. As a parent, I’m making corrections on my parenting methods in this area. I believe I will get there.

A 21-Day Practice

For us to put this theory into practice, I suggest verbally saying out affirmations, instead of just thinking about the changes we want to implement. Write down all you are believing for. Tell yourself, “I am well able to tackle anything that comes my way; I have a sound mind, I am committed; I have more than enough to share with others, I am grateful for my health.”

It takes at least 21 days to form a habit and 90 days to make it a lifestyle.

Practice saying affirmations daily and monitor how your confidence levels will start to grow. Secondly, your action must match your confession. It’s no use saying something that you do not believe can work for you and not taking the necessary action required to achieve your goal.

Train your brain to receive positive commands and see how a positive mindset will start to emerge in you. You are your number one cheerleader!

Remember you’re not in competition with anyone but yourself. Make it your ambition to be a better version of yourself today than you were yesterday. Be intentional about your growth. Positive thinking habits support a positive mindset.

I challenge you to do something radical to boost your self-esteem.

• Would you start writing down positive confessions about yourself?
• Speak them audibly to yourself daily for 21 days.
• Let your actions match the confessions you’re making.
• And lastly check your attitudes and your confidence levels after the 21 days…

There is power in your spoken words to change your perception of yourself as long as you make a conscious effort to boost your image. You have the power to change how you feel and how people see you. You are more than what people see, if only you believe in yourself.

The Toastmasters Effect

In conclusion I would like to give credit where it is due.

Being part of Toastmasters Club has helped me to grow in confidence. I have a supportive group of people around me who encourage me to keep showing up. Their kind and sincere words have helped me to keep improving my communication skills. They have celebrated with me when I have made speeches. Never have they belittled me or made me feel inadequate. The positive energy and safe environment have made me believe in myself. I’m grateful to the members of my club, Mt Meru. I’m enjoying my Toastmasters journey!