Your words can touch, influence, build, break, destroy, hurt, care or encourage! Your words are powerful and could significantly influence your performance and those around you. What you say and how you say it really matters, as it conveys a message…

Sometimes we say things without really thinking about it, things that would have been better if they remained unsaid. We may tell jokes that are degrading or snap at someone when they meant well or say something unpleasant about someone else, just to discover that they are standing right behind us!

Words can be very destructive, but they can also be uplifting. We have all experienced how a colleague or friend has said just the right word at the right time, and what a difference getting a thank you can make.

Can you imagine what a difference it will make in relationships if we all decide to never break others down with what we are saying, but only boost them?

As relationships are such a key ingredient to anyone’s success, using encouraging words may have far reaching personal effects. But this comes with a warning!

Sincerity can have a reversed effect which might be worse than just saying nothing at all! So mean what you say.

Here are three suggestions on how you can use your words to uplift others:

1. Make a positive remark to someone about a good characteristic they have, how well or lovely they look, or how well they did something. It could be anything, as long as it is sincere positive and specific. Do this every day and see the difference it will make to you and those around you!

2. Say positive things about other people when they are not around. Secondary compliments are even more powerful than face-to-face ones. They will find their way back to the person it was said about – and this could have a huge positive impact on their lives.

3. Resolve to never say anything degrading or devaluing about anyone – no matter who they may be.

Embed these suggestions as habits and you’ll find that people will respond more positively towards you. These improved relationships will inadvertently affect all you do and add to your productivity and overall performance!