Mom Talk #24: Say this, not that!

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for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{

Dearest Children of Mine,

Pop Quiz!  What are the three things your Granddaddy recommended for a long and healthy life?  If you don't know, read yesterday's post Three Keys to Good Health.

Today I'd like to offer some thoughts on things you should and shouldn't say, particularly if you want to establish yourself as exceptional young people.

Pretty much, you shouldn't mumble anything.  But offering a pleasant greeting in the morning - or a pleasant greeting any time of day, for that matter - is a convention that can set you apart, set the tone for your interactions, and set other people up to view you favorably.

 It's okay not to know the answer to a question.  But if you say only "I don't know", it can be interpreted to mean "I don't care" or "It's not my problem".  If someone asks you a question and you don't know the answer, take responsibility for finding it out. 

One word answers can come across as cocky, and they're not at all conversational.  When you answer a question, answer in a complete sentence, since using more words in your answer invites further conversation.  Allow your tone of voice to convey a secondary message of warmth or competence over the rest of the sentence.  

If someone tells you something that you know, chances are they're telling you because your behavior indicates that you don't.  So, if you do know, let your behavior speak for you, and no one will have to tell you what you already know.  Saying "I know" makes you look foolish when someone tells you something you appear to be unaware of ... if you know you shouldn't be spitting over the banister, then why are you doing it?  Instead of saying "I know", try "yes, that's right", "I agree", or "that's true".  You might even consider a humble "you're right". 

Give some thought to your speech patterns and the things you say frequently, and make sure they're setting you apart in a positive way.

Tomorrow, I have some thoughts for you about the clothes you wear.

for the introduction and index of the posts in this 31 Days series, click }here{

thanks for reading!