The Power of Words
Words are powerful. They can be used to heal, uplift and restore. They can be used to anger, incite and divide. Today, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most talented orators the world has ever known. Dr. King used his speeches to propel a social justice movement that continues with urgent momentum to this day.
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Dr. King’s words live on half a century after his assassination and still inspire people around the world. He understood the depth and complexity of racial injustice in our country, and he combined them with fundamental truths about the human experience. His resulting orations hold accountable the same issues we shamefully still grapple with today.
Take these words from Dr. King’s sermon on “Conquering Self-Centeredness” to a church in Montgomery, Ala., in 1957:
“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”
Thinking about America in 2021, doesn’t that sound relevant? For decades – and especially in recent years – we’ve seen political leaders, CEOs, neighbors, even family members, put their own individualistic concerns over the equality and respect of all humanity. That individualism has led to powerful words, as well. Tragically, those words have led to more hate, confusion and a snowballing division that threatens our nation’s very existence.
PR and communications professionals are uniquely equipped to help turn the tide of misinformation and distrust. We have to evaluate every internal memo, CEO speech, corporate newsletter and media interview. We must root out divisive language, half-truths, hyperbole and biased and racially insensitive phrases and tone. The purity of language begins and ends with us.
If you need help navigating a questionable dilemma, start with PRSA’s Code of Ethics.
We have a choice, every time we speak. We have the power to make a difference and bring peace.
Thank you, Dr. King, for speaking hard truths that inspired hope and insisted change. May we remember your powerful words and live by them today.