Over the last 10 or so years, it inevitably comes up in a discussion about politics, society, etc. that words really do matter- that they have a very significant weight and intention behind them. Words are not frivolous things, especially so when used by professionals who spend the majority of their day communicating.
But I’ve had a really tough time illustrating that point, so to speak. And then I was reading an interesting analysis and one of the authors noted that they like to use this turn of phrase on their students. “Try thinking without words for 5 minutes and let me know how that goes.”
I think I’ll use that next time.
Word…
