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August 07, 2003WordsI am continually amazed by words. Not just individual words, but the appropriate words arranged in such a way as to convey a clear message. Sometimes those words are a simple compound sentence written carefully on a napkin and slipped to a lady by your friendly bartender. In a few moments, that simple sentence in its humble medium result in a beautiful, intelligent lady sitting next to you, playing tic tac toe and sharing life secrets with you. Other times a few short paragraphs tell your customers that you were the first to market and you’re proud that your competitors are trying to mimic you. The same few paragraphs tell competitors that you know what they’re doing and they are still behind the power curve. Still other times, a co-worker has edged over the line and offended you. In a few sentences, you are able to email that person back and everyone else she cc’ed the original message. Those few sentences appear pleasant and professional, but they convey your utter admonishment of someone who knew they were in the wrong in the first place. Words can start a fight. They can begin a love affair. They can bring a relationship crashing to the ground. They inspire and dissuade. They can get you the sale, the job, the opportunity, and they can cost you everything. Words can make you cry and laugh; sometimes simultaneously. They can win you an intimate partner for the evening, and they can land you on the couch for the night. I love words. I love using words to achieve their desired effect. I massage them and polish them until they effortlessly float from the page into the minds of a reader. I select them carefully in order for them to roll from lips and glide effortlessly to the ears of my audience. I listen for other skilled users of words. I memorize how they speak them—their pitch, their volume, their pace, their rhythm. I respect them and try to emulate parts of their speech in my own when appropriate. Words are mightier than tanks, planes, and missiles. They are softer than the down of a lamb’s ear. They live within, around, and between us. Words are among the greatest gifts God gave us. They are also one of the least appreciated. Cultivate your words, develop them, cherish them, and love them. They will serve you well. Per Aspera linked with What Words Are For Comments
BRAVO, BRAVO! THIS IS YOUR "TOUR DE FORCE"!!!! Posted by: BENJOVI at August 7, 2003 06:33 PMAdam, an excellent use of words. I am in complete agreement with your affection of language. Well done. Posted by: jen at August 7, 2003 06:37 PMMy favorite word is "apropos". Thanks for the great post. Posted by: MALA at August 8, 2003 12:39 PMPost a comment
 
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