Everyday we live, we talk to people; from the home, to our places of work, to our friends, to the neighbours, to the people from the community, or even total strangers. But it is not every conversation that actually carries meaning. There are some words that are just spoken out of pressure, emotions, or other factors, without even thinking about their impacts. You have to understand that speaking with purpose means that you are speaking with intention, with the knowledge of why you are speaking, and then making your words add value, not just to the listener, but also to you that is saying them.
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In your relationship for example, your words and how you use them can actually determine the sustenance and sustainability of the relationship. You may have a misunderstanding with your partner, and instead of just arguing over it and complicating the whole matter, you can simply use words to your advantage. You can tell them "I feel there is a little mix-up in things, can you explain to me better so I can understand your point of view?"
Your words are really powerful tools, but you will know when you begin to speak with intention. A single thoughtful sentence you make can go a long way to encourage someone, open new opportunities, change a decision, and can even positively change the course of someone's life. On the other hand, a careless and thoughtless statement you make can create chaos, conflict, misunderstanding, damaged relationship, or can even close doors. This is why speaking with purpose goes way beyond just talking, but about thinking before you speak; thinking about the effects and impacts your words will have, and then applying wisdom to what you say. This is not just about speaking, but about what you say, how you say it, and can also include when you say it.
Speaking with purpose starts with clarity. Before you say something, always ask yourself what the purpose of what you are about to say will be. Ask yourself if you are trying to encourage someone, or correct them, or inform them, or learn, or even create a friendship. This will help you to know how you will channel your conversation. When your intentions become as clear as possible, then your words will become more effective and better focused. It will even make you to go straight to what matters most at the moment, without beating around the bush.
Speaking with purpose also takes your tone into consideration. There is a way you will talk to someone, even though you are making a point, and they will just be offended by your tone. Do you know that even a good message can be rejected if it is delivered with a bad or hash tone? But even a correction, done with a kind tone, can be accepted, welcomed, and appreciated. So you see, tone is very important when it comes to purposeful speaking. Your tone carries and conveys emotions, so use it to build rather than to break.
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It is worthy to note that speaking with purpose also requires active listening. It is almost impossible to speak with purpose if you have not first understood what the person is trying to say. It is when you have listened actively and attentively that you will be able to respond appropriately, instead of just giving off some blind reactions. When you truly listen, your communication will be more meaningful and then your conversation will count.
There are many benefits of purposeful speaking. First of all, it helps you to build better friendship and relationship. People will be more drawn to you when they know that you talk thoughtfully and sincerely. When people sense sincerity, intentionality, and genuineness in your words, they will trust you more, and will also value you. Much more than making friends, purposeful speaking also helps you to become a better individual. It boosts your interpersonal communication skills, and boosts your confidence too. Always remember that your words are not just "group of letters" put together, they are seed, so plant them with wisdom.
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