The Power of Words Words have the capability to save a life, but they also have the power to end one. Language, specifically words, have very powerful means. Words are considered the most effective way to communicate. They shape our emotions, lifestyle, decisions, culture, and more. Words have the ability to connect people, outlast, and influence opinions. Opinions and thoughts are often determined by words. Mohammed Qahtani, 2015 World Champion of Toastmasters, provides an example of this. In his speech, Mohammed said, “Do you know that the leading cause of lung cancer? Is not actually a cigarette, it's your DNA. You could smoke for years and nothing would ever happen to you. This whole war against smoking is just to restrict the farming of tobacco. Mr. Contest Chair, fellow …show more content…
with a group of friends and the results five of them believe what I said, two of them started smoking” (Qahtani). Almost everyone knows that smoking has terrible health effects, yet Mohammed was able to change people's minds about the idea of smoking, just by telling them it has no effect. This shows how easily words can modify human’s judgment. Another example of words shaping people’s thoughts is in The Book Thief Markus Zusak writes, “Yes the Fuhrer decided that he would rule the world without words. ‘I will never fire a gun!’ he devised. ‘I will not have to’” (Zusak 445). This quote truly shows how influential words can be, Hitler was able to get thousands of followers with his words. He used words in such a way, he convinced many people to do horrible things, he even started a war, all with his words. Qahtani presents another example of words influencing people when he talks about his friend, Nassar. Nassar had drug overdosed
This is exemplified by two quotes. The first quote is from part eight, in Max’s book, The Standover Man. “Yes, the Fuhrer decided that he would rule the world with words. ‘I will never fire a gun,’ he devised. ‘I will not have to’” (Zusak, 445). This shows that Hitler, at least through the eyes of Max, knew he could control and destroy people not through violence, but through words, symbols, propaganda and hate.
What are words? A simple question such as this would in theory demand only a simple answer. Words, however, take such an abundance of forms that creating a truly inclusive definition for the notion of “words” is daunting. In its physical manifestation, a word is little more than air passing over taut tendons, forming sounds which are accented by flicks of the tongue against the teeth and roof of the mouth. These sounds are arranged in patterns that come to be recognized and accepted as words. But are these sounds all that words represent?—certainly not. Words command power. Although the defiant playground motto states that “sticks and stones may break bones, but words can never hurt,”
For Hitler, the communication gap and differences within the government deterred his followers from creating a solid opposition to his power. Mommsen stated, “The movement’s energies had to become totally absorbed in internal ‘disputes over areas of competency…’” (171). Another advantage Hitler had when dealing with people was his charisma. He was “uniquely talented in being able to change the minds” of officials who started to doubt the Hitler’s wisdom. Hitler had a habit of tirelessly trying to convince nonbelievers by persuasion. His behavior had people feeling that he was determined and had a sense of purpose. Along with Goebbels as Propaganda Minister, Hitler had the “fate of the nation” in him and Germany had never seen a leader like him (165). Hitler had “come to symbolize the unity and substance of the nation” (167). When complaints arose about the party and the Nazi regime, Hitler was exempt from them and citizens thought that if he only knew what was happening, then he would change it.
Language has the power to inform and persuade.A story and a passage may give you the power to do something effective. Language is a strong weapon that is used for and against many people. The article , ”Walking with Living feet,” is a strong brief example of an informative writing .A speech can also be an effective tool used to push people to make a difference at times,for example Elie Wiesel’s speech.
Monster, killer of the innocent, madman, bully, lunatic, and devil. A justification for a good God not allowing all people into heaven. The name Adolf Hitler evokes repulsion, distrust, and anger all over the world. Yet this man persuaded an entire population to follow him into the carnage of World War II. Hitler’s speech before the German parliament, the Reichstag, on February 20, 1938, explains why so many Germans were enthralled by this leader. Displaying the qualities of the most persuasive rhetoricians, Hitler uses logos to builds his arguments, pathos to direct the emotions of his audience, and ethos to strengthen and confirm each word he utters. These rhetorical strategies are carefully
Words have the power to change the lives of millions, people who take a stand speak for others and fight for what they want. Words have the power to provoke action, calm negative emotions and can inspire change as the following passages will elaborate that words have the power to change people. Events that go into history start with powerful speeches that persuade listeners to fight with them.
Blaise Pascal once said: “Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much”. The same could be said for harmful words. One word could change someone's entire day, whether that be kind or harmful is all up to the speaker. Words can hurt and they can repair, but they can never be forgotten. Words are powerful and can be used numerous different ways. Words can dictate how we are perceived, they can be used to persuade, they can be used to evoke emotion, logical sense and credibility as well as how a person’s daily life plays out.
Language is an incredibly powerful tool for communication and the words we use control the
Hitler was in many ways a great leader and his influence on the German people was immense; he used his motivational and powerful speaking abilities to gain support and popularity. Hitler knew how to appeal to people's baser instincts and made use of their fears and insecurities. He could do that,
Words: Words are something we use everyday to communicate. Words make up sentences and books. We use words to convey meanings, to show feelings, and to communicate. The problem is that most people take this for granted. Most people do not know the power their words have, and the effect they have on other people. The power of words holds a strong meaning in the novel, The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak. During the book, different characters acquire power through their words and language, in both positive and negative ways.
Some believe that words may not possess these powers, this ability to take control of people. Some people think otherwise, Robbin Williams says, "No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world"
In the words of George Orwell, “If thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought.” Language has been spoken for over 350,000 years. It has expanded tremendously, but its power has never changed. The use of language shapes peoples' perceptions and the depth of interactions because it can demean, avoid, portray emphasis, persuade, and conceal from simple phrases such as “I feel like” and “just”.
the power of words and the impact it can have on dictatorships. Everyone agrees that Winston
Hitler was a very passionate speaker that was incredibly adept to connecting to his audience in order to influence or persuade. The people he was speaking to would feel his passion. His charisma for speaking combined with the weak structure of Germany at the time made him influential beyond any other. He had the combined skills of an actor and a politician, “he could talk well and he had the actor’s gift of mimicry to amuse his companions. (Green, 2001, pg. 12), and everything he said and did had a calculated
It was clear that he was passionate towards his beliefs and sayings which encouraged people to follow him due to the fact that he seems convincing. Hitler also related his speech to his followers and made it seem as if his reign of authority is to better his people rather than his selfish desires. The dialect and tone used sends out an inspirational theme full of charisma, where he promised his people change to fulfill a better nation. It is essential for an effective leader to start off with effective and prominent words in order to lure in and attract followers. Thus, a transformational leader must achieve process by injecting enthusiasm within their words – all of which Hitler has successfully achieved.