Oct 27th, 2021: Wise Speech is Influence
We might want to ask ourselves nowadays whether we have mistaken the difference between good communication and babbling. We are all aware of the phenomenon of Social Influencers. They have used social media effectively to promote themselves and the brands that pay them to represent. Some can draw a large audience if they know how to use these platforms.
Why do we talk or communicate more than we need to?
We feel pressured. Sometimes it can be a panic response to the need for acceptance. We feel as if we have to say something in a social setting. We need to show that we have something to say as well. Most of the time, this is when we interrupt others.
When we cannot organize our thoughts properly, we might become long-winded. It is a personal discipline to think before we talk. We don't know how to be economical with our words. Much of our messages can go to waste if we are not careful.
We are uncomfortable with silence when we don't understand that silence can be a form of communication. Sometimes people should know that we need time to consider everything we hear before we can respond wisely.
Communication comes with responsibilities. It demands thoughtful reflection and mental preparation. Many years ago, an Anglican Bishop told me that it took him 15 minutes to prepare an hour sermon and 8 hours to get a 15-minute one done. There is a lot of wisdom in that statement.
Proverbs 11:9 “Evil words destroy one’s friends; wise discernment rescues the godly.”
Proverbs 16:24 “Kind words are like honey-sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
