Almost everyone has been guilty at one time or other of speaking something out loud and then regretting it. Once spoken, words cannot be taken back, plus words are powerful and can have devastating effects.
Today thinking before you speak is critical, especially when it comes to using social media online. It is easy to log into your Facebook or Twitter account and vent your feelings and frustrations or reply to a post that angers you.
Once you hit that post or Tweet button, your words are out there, on the internet, for everyone to see. Anyone can voice an opinion, but blasting a person for a controversial post is not always in your best interest. Your words can come back to haunt you!
Just like saying something you later regret, posting an opinion when you are angry may cause more harm than good. Before you respond, think about how your words may affect family or friends. How would your employer feel reading the message? Could it get you in serious trouble at work?
If you want to be viewed as a successful person, you need to take the time to think about the repercussions first and then calmly share your opinion. Minimizing conflict and maximizing respect and support requires mindful speech and actions. It’s better to let a stressful situation pass without responding at the moment. Instead, think about the following:
- Why are you angry, frustrated, or upset? What is underlying your emotion?
- What might the other person be thinking? Am I interpreting their actions accurately? What do I know? What am I assuming?
- What do I need to improve the situation? What might the other person need?
Identifying your emotional response and considering the other person’s perspective can help with understanding. Then, you can relate your viewpoint with more finesse. Since your words reflect both your personality and your intelligence, get into the habit of choosing them carefully.