Mrinmayee Sama (Week 2) - Think Before You Talk
Mrinmayee Sama - Week 2
Think Before You Talk
(I feel like a hypocrite writing the title because first of all, I talk about whatever I want without processing sometimes, and two, I don't think...like at all)
Someone in 4th period Mishal: Bro did you know...
Ms. Mishal: I'm not your bro...BRO
AWKWARD 😅
I tried to make the title as wise as possible but you know I'm not pressured to make it perfect. Why? It's not because I don't care, but it's because of the fact that this blog isn't necessarily a formal piece of writing. OH HEY LOOK, would you look at that, a segway into how power is connected with language. yay! Anyways I think that this is a big concept in today's world because you can never ever take words back and sometimes a slip of tongue can cause a dent in an impression (oh wait that kinda sounded deep lol). This happens a lot more in front of my parents than I'd like and I'm not a fan of it because I'm a completely different person at home than in school. For example, I have a list of words that I say on a daily basis in school (like awkward, good one!, ur mom, miss ma'am, etc.) but at home, I refrain from saying them cause it's apparently disrespectful. Fun fresh?!
Let's try and connect this with power because why not. This entire process of thinking before you talk is really important for people who have a high status in society. It isn't every day you see a politician rapping their ideas to the public and stumbling over a ton of words because they need to be clear in their ideas or else they fear losing their prestige. However, ranting would be more common with our friends though because you know we aren't pressured to be eloquent and this is all due to power. Uhm yea I want to stop here cause now it looks like my blog is full circle because I talked about being pressured at the beginning and the end. haha good one!
Comments
I definitely have a bad habit of not thinking before I speak. I try really hard to correct this habit, but it is very difficult for me to filter out the words that are okay and the ones that are not so much. The words you say can change your relationships with people as well as change their perspective of you. In fact, people judge how good of a person you are by what you say and how you act. Your words depict your beliefs and ideals, and if you are not careful, you can easily give off the wrong message.
I liked the anecdote you used at the beginning of your post, and I thought it was very funny. It clearly shows why one should (at least try to) think before speaking. I too do not think a lot before I speak, which had led to me sometimes talking a bit more casually or using more slang than I probably should have. I am astounded by the skills of people, typically politicians, who can give very eloquent speeches on the spot. Speaking eloquently builds a good impression, and a little thought into one’s choice of words can definitely impact how others see you.
I agree with how we need to learn to speak differently when we're around different people. I often speak without think, which leaves me to ponder on my words after. Impact is more important than intent, so I should really think about how my words come across to other people and learn to phrase what I want to say in a nicer way. I've decided to be more mindful of my words and I feel like I've improved so far, and I hope to continue this progress.
It’s definitely natural to unconsciously just say things aloud. A few moments later, you think to yourself, “Wait, did I really just say that?” or “I hope no one takes that the wrong way.” I have a lot of respect for people who just always seem to know what to say at the right time. Perhaps they take the time to think about what they’re going to say more often than not. I think it’s why formal speeches are typically planned beforehand…We just can’t trust our present minds to think of the right thing to say.
-Angel Susantin
I find that I speak differently around different groups of people and settings.
Usually at school when saying greetings, it is like wassup bro, sup man and all those stuff where at home you are expected to be more lolite/mature around parents. Sometimes saying what you didn't mean to say could really be awkward and freeze everyone at the moment and be like did you really say that?!??! Overall I liked reading through your post and the anecdote that you made at the beginning.
I find it so interesting how we talk differently based on the different types of people we interact with. I do the exact same thing with my family, where I am more careful and respectful with the words I use around them. I believe our parents’ generation do not take jokes lightly, instead take everything seriously. So it’s important to accommodate our words when we’re around our parents so they don’t assume we’re being rude or disrespectful to them. I love your list around your friends haha!
Sincerely,
Faith Tong
I am so relieved that someone relates to this, as I. I always tell people to think before they speak, because they can really hurt someone and/or say something totally inappropriate without reading the room. However its hypocritical for me to be saying that towards others. I often speak my mind, no matter what, its just who I am. It’s hard to keep judgement to myself and jokes, especially when the tome is not right for jokes. It is indeed a bad habit and hope everyone, including myself grows out of speaking before thinking, because it could do more harm than good.