Think About It
For years the technology company IBM had a byword: “THINK.” A humorous parody of which was “THIMK.”
The art of speaking concisely makes many friends. A loquacious individual, that is one given to speaking a lot, loses many friends.
The skill of saying a lot in a few words, called laconic communication, whether verbal or writing, is a worthy aspiration. Lamentably most garrulous people, persons who drone on, don’t seem to realize they are doing it even though others do. Keep it simple, sweet, and short.
Mark Twain is spuriously credited with having said, “Better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt.” It is still true.
The origin of the essence is found in Proverbs 17:28, “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.”
An acrostic using the letters for think afford an admirable form of communicating.
T, is it true? If it isn’t, don’t say it. “For my mouth will utter truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips” Proverbs 8:7. An abomination means an object of disgust or hatred.
H, is it helpful? Is it edifying? The word edifying and the word edifice (building) come from the same root. To edify a person is to build them up. Become a master craftsman, a good verbal builder. “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” Ephesians 4:29.
I, is it inspiring? “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” Proverbs 16:24.
N, is it necessary? This is a challenge for some. The term “chasing rabbits” graphically describes some conversationalists as well as public speakers. A running rabbit dodges on and off a trail. Some persons get off the subject chasing side issues rather than being succinct, stay on track. Discipline yourself to use the fewest words to tell your story. “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil” Matthew 5:37.
K, is it kind? “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” Colossians 4:6.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” Prov. 15:1. Respect others, listen and think before speaking. It shows respect for them. Choose your words discreetly, they create either a barrier or a bridge. Give thought to what you say, is it true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, or kind… and brief?