Watch What You Say! Your Words Can Be Deadly To Another Person

Who was it that said, Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me? There seems to be some confusion as to who this phrase actually can be attributed to, but nonetheless, I am not convinced whoever it was that said it, actually believed it.

Words convey a direct psychological effect, whether intended or not, and while sticks and stones can inflict physical injury that may heal, words sometimes tend to have a lasting mental effect depending on their usage.

I was a great admirer of former U.S President Bill Clinton's ability to command attention by his use of language. Of course, he was also a very charismatic man but the way in which he used language to convey his authority without being overtly authoritative was skilful.

The current U.S President, Obama, can be said to have some hallmarks of Clinton's suave about him, but one thing is certain, the command and use of language by both these men has been paramount in driving their success and influence.

Last weekend, I listened to a sermon where the Pastor's message was themed around changing our lives and the elements that can contribute to bring about that change. The power of Words, or in the Biblical sense, The Word' was briefly discussed. Thoughts around that sermon have been with me all week, so much so that those thoughts prompted this piece. As I took in the message being delivered, and as I pondered during the week how apt the Pastor was in his delivery, it re-emerged in my mind that the gift of language and the assembly of words is as age old as time itself.

In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God. God said, Let there be light! And there was light in the world. So from a Biblical perspective, it can be argued that, even before human existence, the power of words' [The Word] was established as being unique, powerful and transforming, by the creator himself.

Joseph Conrad once said, Words have set whole nations in motion_Give me the right word and the right accent and I will move the world.

What is clear throughout human existence and interactions is that language and the phrasing of words has a fundamental cause and effect that impacts the development of our societies, despite culture. There is one constant continually at work. Words convey meaning, meanings that are processed and given associations in our minds. Considering this, even more so, why I say that I do not believe the sticks and stones phrasing to be wholly accurate, as clearly there can be a dreadful potency with words when applied in a particular sequence with intent to inflict mental damage.

A most fitting example would be some of the arguments we find ourselves involved in. Most of the unhealthy and destructive emotions that develop from an argument are mainly derived from what was said (or perhaps not said) to the individual, than sometimes what was done. Even in an occurrence where an act was deemed to be hurtful, saying the right words can often go a very long way in easing hurt feelings. How many of us truly know how to say, I'm sorry at times when that alone would make that other person feel so much more relieved? Sometimes, some of us close off and allow situations to stand.

The late British writer, Lady Dorothey Nevill once said, The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. Such can be the healing of destructive power of words.

I have often found that a lot can be revealed depending on how a person chooses to express his or herself when placed in varying situations, ranging from harmonious to discomforting. What is vital for social development and human interaction is for us to recognise that there is great power to be derived from the use of words and sometimes it is best to be mindful of what we say to each other. I find the expressions that manifest themselves from our minds, can often be a most riveting thing to observe.

Photo Credit To A Life In Writing

Jeevan Robinson is the Founder & Editor-in-Chief of MNI Alive. He can be reached at