How many words do you speak during an average day? No, I am not talking about text messages, emails, or slang chatroom words, I am talking about words that actually come out of your mouth.
The average figure is 16,000 words. Even then, much of what we say can be meaningless chit-chat, brisk, necessary exchanges or even angry rants. Here are ten things that we could all do with saying more often. While reading, I’ll bet you believe the list is pretty simplistic. However, the positive impact they will have on your mood and your day is pretty dramatic.
1. “Hello.”
How often do you sit silently next to someone on a train, or in a waiting room? How often do you stand tapping your foot in a line at the post office or bank? Just saying a simple “Hello” or “Hi” to the person next to you, and offering them a smile, could give you an instant mood-boost. And you might even get into a conversation to pass the time while you’re waiting.
2. “Thank you.”
It’s hard to say “thank you” too often. Even when you feel someone’s performing a service that they should do by the nature of their job, thanking them will make both of you feel good. How about saying “thank you” to your employees or subordinates when they carry out a task for you, “thank you” to the girl at the checkout when she packs your bags for you, “thank you” to the waiter who brings your meals? Those two small words of gratitude can mean a lot.
3. “Please.”
A word, which we often associate with “thank you,” perhaps because we were taught to say both as young children, is “please.” Using this little word turns a demand into a request—and makes people much happier about fulfilling it. When you queue up for a coffee at Starbucks, don’t just bark “Venti Mocha Frappuccino” at the barista. Add a “please.” When asking your partner to pass the salt at dinner, put in that “please.” It doesn’t just set a great example for your kids, it sets a tone of politeness and mutual respect.
