Did you know that the mind retains pictures, not words? It’s true.
Did you realize that words can actually get in the way of what we are trying to communicate…even well thought out words? I’m serious. I’ll prove it.
Read the words below very carefully:
DO NOT THINK ABOUT A PINK ELEPHANT
Ok. So tell me what is the image in your mind right now? It’s a pink elephant!
See what I mean?! We need to learn how to use words that are in line with the images we want others to hold on to in the brains. This kind of communication could actually save kids lives. Here’s what I mean…read these words carefully:
DON’T RUN OUT INTO THE STREET
Now, what is the image in the mind of the child? Running out into the street. Instead we should say:
WHEN YOU GET TO THE SIDEWALK STOP
Now the image in the mind is stopping on the sidewalk. Cool huh?
As parents, managers, teachers, and friends we need to learn to speak words that create accurate pictures in the minds of others of what we want them to see…we need to talk in pictures.