The Power of the Words We Speak

The words we speak have power. They change the brain, the body and our relationships. Words have an energy, and the power to help, to hinder, to inspire, to hurt, to create a bond, to alienate, to enlighten, or humiliate. The words we say define the quality of our relationships and day-to-day interactions, what impact are you having as you talk to others, and of course yourself? Now consider what impact you would choose to have.

There is considerable research and commentary now about how the words we speak literally restructure our brain. (Positive Psychology – Martin Seligman; Dr. Andrew Newberg- neuroscientist at Thomas Jefferson University; and Mark Robert Waldman – communications and motivational expert.)

These studies are contributing to our growing understanding of how the power of words can help or hurt. For example, on the BRM (Business Relationships Management Institute) website: there is an introductory article, “Your Words Matter” contributed by Lindsey Horton, here is a brief excerpt:

“Words Can Hurt Me - In their neuroscience experiment, “Do Words Hurt?”, Maria Richter and collaborating scientists monitored subjects’ brain responses to auditory and imagined negative words. During this process, they discovered painful or negative words increase Implicit Processing (IMP) within a specific area of the brain, (the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex).

Put frankly, their study proved that negative words release stress, an anxiety-inducing hormones in subjects.”

One study found increased levels of anxiety in children associated with higher rates of negative self-talk.

Additionally, a study found increased levels of anxiety in children associated with higher rates of negative self-talk. According to the study’s abstract, “These results suggest negative self-talk plays a role in the generation or maintenance of anxiety in normal children.”

Ultimately, negative words, whether spoken, heard, or thought, not only cause situational stress, but also contribute to long-term anxiety.”

Think and Express Happier Thoughts

Naturally, the recognition that holding negative thoughts in our mind is enough to induce stress and anxiety hormones begs the question, “What effect do positive thoughts have?”

There is growing evidence that happiness is a choice, we do not have to be imprisoned by the past. Every interaction offers a new opportunity to update our judgements, our reactions and to change any negative reactions to positive responses. Seeing the good, the true and the beautiful around you can literally change your life.

Seeing the good, the true and the beautiful around you can literally change your life.

What Science is Revealing about Words

In their jointly written book, Words Can Change Your Brain, by Dr. Andrew Newberg, and Mark Robert Waldman, “a single word has the power to influence the expression of genes that regulate physical and emotional stress.”

Scientific research is demonstrating that there is a measurable negative impact in using negative words and thoughts. Studies also confirm the many benefits of speaking and thinking in positive, affirming ways.

The Impact of Positive Words

Speaking positive words like peace and love alters our brain function by activating more fully the frontal lobes of the brain which increase cognitive reasoning. The evidence shows that positive word use increases clarity of thinking.

Using positive words more often than negative ones improves the functioning of the motivational centres of the brain responsible for overcoming inaction and promoting our ability to take action. Procrastinating or feeling disempowered, seem related to the functioning of these motivational centres.

Negative Words

“When we use negative thoughts habitually, we are preventing certain neuro-chemicals from being produced which contribute to stress management”

Newberg and Waldman in their book, “Words Can Change Your Brain”, have this to contribute: “When we use negative thoughts habitually, we are preventing certain neuro-chemicals from being produced which contribute to stress management”.

We are hard-wired to worry by the primal brain which is protective in function. This basic self-protective mechanism causes us to worry – to identify anything in our environment which may be a threat. This then triggers stress - producing hormones and the fight-flight freeze response.

Words and Depression

People with depression use an excessive number of words conveying negative emotions.

People with depression use words differently. They use an excessive number of words conveying negative emotions like lonely, sad, miserable. The pronouns used are different in that they are likely to use significantly more first-person pronouns than second and third person pronouns. This suggests a different internal focus.

Martin Seligman in his book, “Positive Psychology” asks this intriguing question “Does depression cause people to focus on themselves or do people who focus on themselves get symptoms of depression?”

Closing Words

Words are being seen as causal factors in positive and negative choices, behaviours and brain development. We see that researchers in a variety of different fields have all verified the power of words. Our choice of words can be the difference between a positive or negative outlook, positive or negative choices and even effect our brain chemistry and development.

“By consistently using positive words the parietal lobes of the brain begin to change and with that you can develop an increasingly positive view of yourself which then enables a more positive view of others.” Andrew Newberg, “Words Can Change Your Brain”

In her very practical book, “When Life is Not Peachy” Clare Bowditch includes this exercise, Identify, and write down three good things that have happened each day and why they were good. In a 2005 study published by Martin Seligman and colleagues in the journal, ‘American Psychologist” found Clare Bowditch’s technique was associated with increased happiness just after the event and the effect they found was still present 6 months later.

The good news in all of this is that we can make major changes in our behaviour and therefore influence our life and even our circumstances by simply opting for positive thoughts, words and behaviours. Even smiling more has beneficial effects. As we become more positive, our outlook becomes sunnier and our resilience, even in stressful situations, increases.

One of the most effective ways to become more aware of patterns in our thought-life, speech and behaviours is through the practice of Mindfulness Meditation. Please refer to the Inward Bound Network’s many classes and audio recordings for more information and practical help in developing your own meditation practice.

You are invited to experience the Rainbow Terraces Meditation with Gay Vickers each week on Zoom