How to Use Words Wisely

Using words wisely means that you think more about your choice of words before speaking. It’s doesn’t mean you have to use clever words, but you will need to develop a different attitude to communication. This new attitude means that you stop being so attached to your words. You realise that words are never perfect to express what we want to say. Words fail us all the time.

Using words wisely means thinking about your choice of language.
In Communication, Language Often Fails Us

A conscious communicator realises that the reason we have arguments and disagreements is because language so often fails us. You know that you will not always be able to make someone understand your exact meaning. This means you constantly observe your own language and reflect on how you can make your own communication better. You learn by observing your communication. You steadily become more conscious of the power of your words.

Using Words Wisely Means Being Adaptable

Being a conscious communicator has nothing to do with learning new words or vocabulary. What it actually means is that you adapt your language according to the situation you are in. You are less concerned about projecting an image of yourself such as ‘intelligent’ and focused instead on getting your message across to the person to whom you are speaking. You are fluid in the way you use language and adapt the way you speak so that you match the company you are with.

On a personal level, it’s good for the relationships in your life because you stop being so attached to the things you say. This makes you negotiate arguments and communication breakdowns more effectively. You stop blaming other people and accusing others of being wrong. You take a different perspective where you think about your communication in general, and you look for patterns, to help you understand how you can communicate more constructively in the future. Most of all, it’s more important for you to communicate well than it is for you to be right.

Using Words Wisely Means Considering Presentation

On a practical level, it means that you have to become mindful of what you say. You can start to become a conscious communicator by thinking first about how you will perform in any speaking situation. For example, you think about your speaking performance before you make a phone call and decide beforehand what you want to project about yourself. You decide you want to appear positive and cheery, therefore that is the tone of voice you will have during the call. Or, you decide that you will introduce yourself in a new way, to see what the effect is.

You learn by experiment and by constantly seeking to make improvements here and there, as you gain knowledge about communication. Remember, you don’t need to be intelligent. You just need to look at the way you communicate from a new perspective.

Extend Your Learning

Learn about passive-aggressive communication by watching the lesson below:

◼️ Watch my video on How Not to Be Nervous: Public Speaking.

Author

Jade Joddle grows your confidence and skill to shine when speaking English.

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