Under Construction - MHWA Retreat

Author Markus Zusak wrote in The Book Thief: "I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.” Think about the importance of words and then think about the following questions when responding:

How powerful are words? Are people responsible if their words are used for insidious purposes?
Words are very powerful. We don't have to look too far from our own front doors to see the destruction that hateful words can incite. (i.e. El Paso & Dayton) Yes, I think people that use their words to prey on and manipulate others should be held responsible.

How would you define "good" communication? When people communicate with you, what communication style do you prefer?
"Good" communication is when the speaker effectively relays their message and the listener actively listens and understands the message.

I would prefer a text message, letter, or email. I hate talking on the phone. I hate it.

Can you think of any specific situations where you used words to fix a problem? What about a situation where your words caused more harm than good?
Talking and words can help in sticky situations if emotions are not factored in. For example, I once had to talk a friend off the proverbial ledge. It was a very tense time and as much as my emotions were screaming on the inside, I needed to remain calm and logical.

There was a time when my truthful words ended a relationship. Sometimes people don't want to hear the truth and sometimes we need to be careful how and when we deliver said truth.



"The pen is mightier than the sword."
~ Edward Bulwer-Lytton