How words affect human behavior

One word can change your whole mood. They can make you go from happy to sad, mad, or grumpy. Words are very powerful! Words are the thoughts in our brain that come out. Words are used to help describe our emotions, and also play a huge part in our behavior. They can affect both positive and negative. Knowing what to say at the right time. Our brain is involved a lot with our words. It helps us process the information we are trying to say into words. Words are all around us and are huge impact on why we act the way we do sometimes.

One way that words affect behavior is the way we speak. Have you ever heard it’s not what you said it’s how you said it? It’s the tone from your voice. Tone is one reason a lot of our behavior is affected. The way you say sometimes play a role in the way people react to it. Many times, you don’t mean to use tone it just comes out like that. Another thing is using the right words. Ever been in a situation when you say the right words are the wrong time? Those are the worst times. We need to stop and think before we start talking. We need to choose words wisely and think how our words might affect someone. We need to learn to think before you speak and watch they tone you talk in.

One word that may affect my behavior more than yours is the “R-word” (retarded). That word will NEVER be in my vocabulary. I have a brother who has down syndrome, so that would to be is calling him a name. It is offensive to those who have a disability. When I hear that word, I get defensive, mad/angry, and try to ask the person that said it to us another word. However, for someone else it might just be another word to them it might not bother them like it does me. That word is part of people’s language, and the probably don’t even notice when they say it. Most of them don’t mean for it to be insult, but it still shouldn’t be a word they used. Next time try to use a better word.

There are positive and negative words. Try to throw-out the negative ones. Words like can’t, disappointed, or won’t. These words make us unhappy and bring us down. If you use them, you start to believe you can’t do things. Another thing that down is complaining all the time. Areas that cause people to get in uproars is religion, gender, age, or even gun control. These things affect our behavior tremendously. Try to look at think that are more positive.  Change them for worlds like can, will, accomplished, or even incredible. Words that will make you happier. You are believing in yourself, changing your vocab, and striving to do better will make you happier.  Try to start each day with something positive rather than negative.

Words are all around us and they can affect us. Learn to think before you speak and think about how your words affect other people. Not everyone is affected by the same word, so don’t be surprised if people act out differently than others.  Try to get the negative words out of vocab. Words are powerful, don’t forget that!

-by Brooke

Mind Your Tongue

Mind Your Tongue

 

The tongue has the power of life and death and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21

You may be thinking, great… another Bible reader, stuffing scripture down my throat.

Before you think that, I have a challenge for you… really look at what that is saying. Whether you believe in the Bible or not, give what these words are saying a little credit. Look at your own life and read those words carefully… “The tongue (our words) have the power of life and death.”

Maybe you think that’s dramatic but it’s not. Think about the last time you were angry at someone. Did you say things you regret, things you can NEVER take back? How did those words affect the recipient? Do you think he or she has forgotten what you’ve said or do you think those words pop back in their head throughout the day? Makes you wonder, huh? I hope I can help you think before you speak whether it be in a positive light or a negative darkness.

“Sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me. This is a lie. What we say matters. The unkind things we communicate can soil the best of relationships; even with the deepest of regrets… What lingers is a stain of hurt that may fade but will never truly go away. The wounding words we say are like feathers released in a harsh wind, once said; we will never get them back”

Jason Versey, A Walk with Prudence

When was the last time someone said something that hurt you? How did you feel? Words are something we can never take back. When something hurtful is said, the others’ reaction is to fight back, change the way they see you or even change the way they see themselves. It is SO important to realize the damage just a few simple words said out of anger can do. The impact our words have on people’s behaviors towards us and life in general needs to be taken into consideration. Words can bring people to depression, loneliness, anger, fear… you name it. They have a lasting impression on the people around you.

Magic Words

“Silly words cause trills because they’re ludicrous and funny

Happy words paint endless smiles and swallow troubles whole

Thoughtful words are thus because they make the day feel sunny

But hurtful words are such that pierce the heart and weight the soul”

Richelle E. Goodrich, Smile Anyways

Since the last paragraph was somewhat depressing, let’s talk about the positive impact words can have. Look at the second part of that poem, “Happy words paint endless smiles and swallow troubles whole.” We build relationships by creating happy and interesting conversations with our words. People are attracted to optimistic and happy individuals because they make life fun. Without kind, loving, respectful, happy words, relationships would be hard to create. Think of the last time you told someone “I love you.” Ahh yes, all smiles over here. To know you are loved makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. What about a parent telling his or her child “I am proud of you.” Woah. Those words are empowering. The confidence builds and he or she is ready to conquer the world.

We can build people up or tear them down with our choice of words. My advice? Be on the lookout for people who are down on themselves. Give them a compliment and build them up. It can be something as simple as: “You are so smart!” “I love your heart.” “I really like the way you did your hair!” or even, “You are SO good at your job!” Those compliments can really brighten people’s day and change their view of themselves in a heartbeat.

The few examples I covered can’t even begin to scratch the surface of how impactful our words are in both negative and positive ways. I urge you to think before you speak, no matter what situation you’re in. Mind your tongue and think about other people and consider their feelings. Take a look at what that Proverbs verse has to say. It holds a lot of wisdom when it comes to how we carry ourselves and speak within this life.

By: Leigha Faivor, Business/Accounting Major, IUPUC