Communication Effectiveness: Think Before You Speak
Like a lot of children, I just blurted out whatever came to mind. I didn’t know anything about tactfulness or politeness. I had to be taught those things.
One of those “teachable” moments came when I was ten years of age. A friend of my mother’s came over to our house to show off her newborn baby. Of course the new mom was gurgling over with pride and asked me what I thought of her new baby.
Well, the first thing I noticed was the baby’s bald head and fat neck. So in all honesty, I said her baby looked like Alfred Hitchcock, the obese, strange-looking film director of horror movies. The new mom wasn’t pleased and neither was my mother. I spent the night in my room without dinner.
Even though I had heard my parents tell me that I should think before I speak, I didn’t really know what that meant. And just in case you don’t know what it means, I suggest that you ask yourself these questions before you open your mouth to speak.
T = Is it true?
H = Is it helpful?
I = Is it inspiring?
N = Is it necessary?
K = Is it kind?
If you get 3 or more yes answers, go ahead and speak. If you get 3 or more no answers, think hard and long before you speak so you say it most appropriately.