As a former crisis negotiator, I know too well the value of saying the right thing at the right time. It can be the difference between a successful conclusion to a tense situation, or a bad end if the wrong thing is said.
Is a kind word really effective in helping others or does it just make you feel good by saying it?
Intuitively, and probably obviously, using harsh words won't win you friends but using nice words and compliments will. Offering kind words increases connections in the brain and with the other person.
Additionally, kind words are contagious, if someone says a nice word about you there is a tendency for you to do the same for someone else.
While out for a jog one evening, I noticed a young lady about to sit down on a park bench beside an estuary, to have her break. She was wearing an oversized city council raincoat and had just finished cleaning the public toilets where I jog. As I ran past I realised that it was a Saturday evening when most people were relaxing. She was at work.
Returning to her, I thanked her for what she does. She looked a little surprised at this strange person all covered in sweat and asked "When was this?" "Now and every day you make this place clean for us" was my reply. With an embarrassed smile, she said "Oh, thank you so much". I smiled back and jogged off.
I have no idea what she thought nor whether it had an impact on her, but her smile said everything. I just hope it made her know that what she was doing was making a difference. Making her feel good is what I wanted.
As with smiling and hugging, saying a kind word not only helps the other person it also helps you. Endorphins and other chemicals are released when we do something kind for someone else, which make us feel good and help protect our immune system.
It is said it takes nothing to be kind, well it does, it takes a little piece of our time. And haven't we all got just a little bit of time to say a few kind words or an unexpected thank you?
Let's talk!
A Kind Word Can Make A Difference.