As a young child, my father had a phrase, I might even say it was a mantra, that he often communicated to my sisters and to me, \u2018Think before you talk.\u201d Even as I type it out now, I feel the eye roll of an adolescent child begin to take over. As a young female in a South Asian immigrant family, I interpreted this phrase as \u2018be quiet\u2019 or \u2018speak when spoken to\u2019 and I did just that. I was an introverted, quiet child who spoke rarely in the school setting. I often kept a long and winding inner narrative alive in my head but rarely shared my thoughts with others. I did not think my words mattered to others. Now as many years have passed, I actually find myself thinking of this phrase with new meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As an adult, a leader, an educator, and a parent I have learned through many small and big moments that this was not the full interpretation of the phrase. It certainly wasn\u2019t the meaning that would benefit me or those around me in many scenarios. \u2018Think before you talk\u2019 is so much more than being silent. It means that your words do matter. It means people are listening. It means that you should use your words carefully and intentionally. Think about who is before you and the situation you are in, before speaking. Then, say it with care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some tips I have learned to make sure Your Words Matter<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n