W O R KS H E ET 2 A B2

THE POWER OF

Words
THE LIMITS OF
MY LANGUAGE
ARE THE LIMITS
OF MY WORLD
- Ludwig Wittgenstein -

1. What are the two magic words in your relationship with your wife, your children or anyone
else? Why do these words make a difference?
2. Why is it important to guard your tongue?
3. When and how do words become weapons?
4. What kind of hate language occurs in our school?
5. How does a word meaning change depending on who utters it?

1. ARE THEY REALLY POWERFUL?

Do you agree with what it says? Discuss it with your partners.

Written or spoken, words are continuously propelling us through life. They lift us up, drag us down, wound us
deeply or heal our hearts. Words have the power to influence or manipulate other people; the power to break
confidences, build lifelong alliances or start wars.

Words can make or break us, both as individuals and as a society. What have you been saying lately? What
have you been listening to lately?

The words you speak can have a profound effect on the people they reach. Are you encouraging or discouraging?
Are you building up your children, your spouse, your friend or even the stranger you pass on the street? Or
are you tearing down your own family with words of criticism, bitterness and judgment? Are you causing the
destruction of your self-esteem by speaking ill-suited words over yourself, your health and prosperity?
 W O R KS H E E T 2 B B2

IN PAIRS OR SMALL GROUPS,

EXPLAIN THE
FOLLOWING QUOTES

“The pen is more powerful than the sword.”

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

“It’s not the words you use, it’s the tone you use them in.”
Mom

“The tongue can bring death or life; Those who love to talk must be ready to
accept what it brings.”
Proverbs 18:21

“The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time,
but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.”
Dorothy Nevill

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
Anonymous

2. WHAT YOU SAY; WHAT YOU HEAR.

WORDS OR PHRASES WORDS OR PHRASES WORDS OR PHRASES
I HATE HEARING I COMMONLY USE I LOVE HEARING

• We need to talk... • You know • I’m proud of you

• With all due respect...
• I can’t / you can’t
• _________________
• _________________
• _________________
• Whatever
• Like
• _________________
• _________________
• _________________
• I love it when you...
• You’re right
• _________________
• _________________
• _________________