SPEECH MANAGEMENT
Words Hurt and Words Heal
AN important teaching of the Quran is to use words with an extreme sense of responsibility and not letting one’s tongue get out of control. This teaching is stressed in the chapter Al Nisa (Women) of the Quran:
There is no good in most of their secret talk, except in the case of those who enjoin charity and kindness, or reconciliation between people. If anyone does that, seeking the pleasure of God, We will give him an immense reward. (4:114)
This Quranic verse includes talks and conversations. The power of speech given to man is a rare quality, an exclusive boon. But it involves responsibility, and has to be used with great caution. Speech has value only when it is useful. Misuse is liable to punishment. The art of speech management means control of your tongue, thinking before speaking and calculating in advance the impact of what you say.
Avoid negative talk, lying, misrepresentation of facts and utterances which may create rift or suspicion between people or groups. Speech is most commonly misused when the difference between an allegation and a statement based on evidence is not understood. Begin by examining whether what you have to say is supported by logic. If you have good reason to speak, then open your mouth, else remain silent. What is right speech? It is based on truth and stands up to objective analysis—being based on verified data which is positive in nature and which will not create problems.
The art of speech management means control of your tongue, thinking before speaking and calculating in advance the impact of what you say.
Most of our activities are related to speech in one way or another. Each one of us ought to cultivate the art of speaking that is positive and which creates a healthy atmosphere in the family, society and the nation. Good speech is the basis of nation building. People generally lack discipline and dislike constraints on their activities. This is very true of speech. Right speech means disciplined speech; talking in a controlled way—weighing each word before uttering. Well thought out speech is a source of building harmony and goodwill. The art of managing speech is vital for everyone. Those with the art of right speech can be declared wholesome human beings.