Words Matter. Intent matters MORE. Impact matters MOST.

Words MATTER. Seems like common sense, right ? The word choices we make can signal how we really feel about something. If we are interviewing for a job, we will choose words that show us in our best light and demonstrate that we understand ‘corporate speak’ and will be able to fit in. Our words match our intention - we want to show that we fit in so we speak in a way that demonstrates that.

Why do we ignore this approach when the stakes seem low ? Why do we feel that the words we choose matter less online ? I believe it has to do with our words not matching our intentions. We default to a more emotionally driven state when we don’t see humanity in the person we’re responding to. We see them as a faceless troll so we don’t care how they feel, we just want to show them they’re wrong and we’re right. If our intention was to have a legitimate discussion or debate, we wouldn’t resort to name calling or wishing harm on others, no matter what they said.

If our words are out of alignment with our intent, we do not have the impact we think we’re having and we just become noise to those we’re interacting with. It’s a useless and energy sapping result. No one has ever changed someone else’s mind by calling them derogatory names or treating them as less than human.

Real change comes through taking ownership of how we present ourselves to the world. Is it in alignment with your values ? Are you choosing language that represents your values and match the intentions of your message ? If you are, you are much more likely to have an impact on someone else’s worldview.

If you want to become the person that others say “means what they say and says what they mean”, I’d love to help you. Set up an appointment or discovery call today.