RELATIONSHIPS & COMMUNICATION
T.H.I.N.K. Before You Speak
5 factors to improve every interaction in your life
Spending time around kids can be a good way to re-learn (or even just learn) things we adults may take for granted. Just yesterday, while at a basketball game with a group of kiddos ranging in age from 5-1/2 years (the “half” is very important, she’ll have you know) to 13, we talked about how to talk with other people, especially in moments we feel tired, irritated, or frustrated.
Ages ago, I heard the adage about “let my words be sweet and tender because tomorrow I may have to eat them.” I’d not heard the acronym these kids are learning to keep in mind, but when I did, I loved its fuller perspective so much I wanted to sing it from the rooftops:
T = True
Let’s start with the basics: don’t lie.
H = Helpful
Is what you want to say helpful to them? To the situation? To your relationship? In a professional situation, you might ask “Is this helpful to our project?”
I = Important (or Inspiring)
Is it important for the other person/people to know? Alternatively, you may ask if what you’d like to say is “inspiring,” in the sense of “will…
