do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth!

It is widely accepted that the following statistics on communication hold true…

55% of communication is physiological: your mannerisms, how you sit, etc.

38% of communication is tonal: your voice inflection, how you sound, etc.

7% of communication is verbal: the actual words you say

That means that 93% of what you convey has nothing to do with what you are actually saying. Or you could say that you are saying more than what you are saying when you are saying it. So here’s a quick list that hopefully actually says something about saying something.

1. Timing is everything

“Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” Proverbs 15:23

2. Learn to talk and listen with your eyes

“We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal.” Psalm 123:2

3. Watch your body language

“I lie in the dust; revive me by your word.” Psalm 119:25

4. Seek first to understand then to be understand

“My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge.” Proverbs 8:9

5. Allow the appropriate expression of anger

“Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.” Proverbs 29:11

6. Learn the art of self-control

“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” Proverbs 15:1

7. Be willing to be disliked

“And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!” Psalm 90:17

8. Don’t give up

“But I will never stop loving him, nor fail to keep my promise to him.” Psalm 89:33