How often do we stop to think about the weight of our words? Not just the formal, scripted ones. But the everyday words, the offhand comments, the passing feedback, the things we say to our employees, our children, our friends, our partners.

Because here is the truth: Words are not just sound. Words are seeds. And every word we plant has the power to grow into something lasting—confidence or self-doubt, love or resentment, clarity, or confusion.

The words we speak to others are incredibly more powerful than we may realize in the moment.

They can build or break, inspire or discourage, connect, or divide. A kind word can lift someone out of a dark place. A harsh word, even if unintentional, can linger in someone's mind for years. Words shape how people see themselves, how they relate to the world, and sometimes even what they believe is possible. As author John L. Mason said: “Words are like nitroglycerine. They can blow up bridges or heal hearts.”

Think about a time when someone said something that stuck with you—either uplifting or painful. It could have been at work, with family or friends or your significant other. That memory still carries weight, right? Even as a child, when I did something wrong or received a low grade in school, hearing my parents say: “I’m so disappointed in you”, was worse than any corporal punishment I could have received. Those words definitely motivated me to do better! That is the power of words.

A few years ago, when a group of my friends wanted to do an outdoor adventure called Go Ape which was described as an unparalleled outdoor adventure experience, I was all in. The safety instructor said we would tackle dangling obstacles, explore the area from a new perspective of over forty feet in the treetops and fly around on multiple ziplines from exciting heights over water and land.

I was fourth in line as our group began climbing the first tree to start the course. When I got to the top on this little platform, forty feet off the ground, I froze. The first obstacle was to use a rope to do a Tarzan type swing over to a net. Then climb up the net and continue the course. My friend Jason was on that little tree top platform with me. I said: “I can’t do this.” I was going to climb back down. He said “Yes you can do this. You got this.” “I’m right behind you.” “I’ve seen you do harder things than this.” He was so motivating in a loving way. His kind, reassuring words made me feel confident and was just the lifeline I needed to get me through that first obstacle on my way to an adventurous fun-filled afternoon! Over the years, I have often called to mind his encouraging words when I needed to feel empowered to accomplish something I felt was impossible for me.

Even the words my personal trainer uses make me feel like anything is possible in the gym. He will say: “Don’t quit on yourself, you’ve got more in the tank” or “You’re stronger than you think. You’ve got this. Let’s get it.” It works for me!

There is a quote often attributed to Maya Angelou: “I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” And the way we speak plays a huge role in how we make others feel.

So yes, words are power. Spoken with intention, they can heal, empower, motivate and transform. Be intentional with your words. Because every conversation is an opportunity to either build someone up or break them down. Speak to your employees like you are shaping the next generation of leaders. Speak to your family like you are shaping hearts for life. Speak to your friends like your voice matters. Speak to your partner like your words are the glue that holds your bond together. Because they are.

Sometimes unspoken words can be just as powerful. I will talk about that in a future blog post.

Take care of yourself and each other!

Words

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