Write a reflective writing based on the attached documents.

‘Language is a Verb.’

Words influence; we feel them. Words change the world. We’ve walked on the moon inspired by John F. Kennedy; we’ve felt determined to bring three astronauts home to Earth inspired by Gene Kranz’s words, ‘Failure is not an option.’ and we live in a more culturally united nation fueled from Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream. Words impact our thinking and our behavior. Because of this strong impact, I say ‘Language is a verb.’ Through the action of combining words with intention, we create change in ourselves and in others.

Words create mental images. And the more vivid language, the quicker we understand the message. For example, feel the words ‘walk.’ ‘pace.’ and ‘strut.’ For me the word ‘walk’ feels positive and consistent and forwarding. The word ‘pace’ feels negative and nervous and uncomfortable. And the word ‘strut’ means an over-confidence and passion. Perhaps they feel he same to you, perhaps they don’t. Be, we do feel them. Words represent meaning.

In languaging, we do need to remember that the message spoken is not always the message heard. We filter our understanding through our life experiences, our personalities, and our thoughts. Perception is reality.

So, now it’s time for you to practice your languaging to affect positive change in others. Here’s a list to build your language leadership tool.

ENHANCE SELF-AWARENESS

1. Listen to your self-talk. You talk to others the same way you talk to yourself. In order to encourage others, you need to be practicing positive self-talk. Examine your thought patterns; how positive or negative is your thinking? For one week, keep a count of your negative thoughts. If you need to increase your positivity, and most of us do, put some routines in place to re-frame the negative thoughts to powerful positive ones. Know that changing your base thought patterns requires consistency, commitment and patience mixed with relationship support.

2. Listen to others’ word choices. Wew reveal ourselves in teh way we combine our words. Listen for the patterns.