Have you ever had someone tell you to “watch your mouth”? It’s a saying that I’m sure most people have heard or even been told to do before. It seems pretty simple - of course you shouldn’t be rude or take things too far when talking to another person. That’s just being polite and considerate: basic manners. But have you ever thought further than that? Why do I even have to watch my mouth? I mean, how can my words affect someone else? Doesn’t seem like it will.
Words seem harmless, it’s true. However, words can have just the same power physical actions do. Words may not be able to break a bone or create a scar on your cheek, and they definitely won’t suddenly change the world you’re living in like some Avengers plot. But they will change the way you perceive it. If it’s easier, think of it this way. You're a camera - you view things the way your lens does. Words can create filters on that lens. Sometimes it’ll make your quality clearer and brighter, like how uplifting affirmations or words of encouragement do. Yet most of the time, it makes your view blurrier or shrinks the screen, like how negative insults or verbal violence can do.
Research has proven the various ways words can affect you, or the person you’re talking to. Here are just a few on the list:
Words can Make or Break.
According to Psychcentral, a study in 2021 found that “verbal encouragement, specifically the words “go, go, go” and “go as far as you can,” improved performance in patients with injuries affecting their movement than those who didn’t get that encouragement. Of course you would flourish when you're being treated full of love - those positive words will give you confidence and courage. On the other hand, verbal abuse can break and tear you down. They make you insecure and vulnerable, leading to riskier situations - prevent this in others when you can. Choose the right words. Don’t forget verbal violence is a form of bullying too.
Words are Ever-lasting.
A 2019 study showed that experiences of being verbally bullied by peers affected college students’ daily lives. Another 2022 review showed that PTSD was fairly common among victims of verbal abuse (Lovering 2022). Just like words can uplift you, they can hurt you just the same. Words aren't just simple words, although they might seem like that when you say them. Words can engrave scars in your brain and heart, never to be forgotten for the rest of your lifetime. They can switch the filter on your camera as discussed above, and the way you perceive yourself or the world around you. Watching your words isn’t just about the words. It’s about the lasting impacts that they give.
Words can change You.
It’s not just about watching the way you talk to other people, but also how you talk to yourself. Self-talk is a very crucial way that impacts your levels of many things, including gaining confidence, increasing self-esteem, and calming anxious nerves. The way you talk to yourself affects the way you also perceive yourself. In one study, a group of athletes trained in self-motivating talk showed higher excellence in performance and quality (Lovering). On the other hand, another research finding displayed the contrasting results when you use negative self-talk - leading to increased rates of mental health issues such as anxiety. Remember to be kind to yourself, you're just as valuable yet vulnerable as other people are too. As Benjamin Franklin used to say, “remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” You might forget the things you say in a couple of days or so - but to others, this may take a lifetime. Your words can either create power and strength in someone else (even yourself), or stitch an ever-lasting scar in their heart. Choose which person you want to be. It’s never too late to watch your mouth. Lovering, Cathy. “Do Words Have the Power to Change Your Brain?” Psych Central, 10 Oct. 2022,psychcentral.com/blog/words-can-chang e-your-brain
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