“Faith at Work” is a feature from Pacific Mormon Newsroom focusing on members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are applying the teachings of Jesus Christ in their daily lives. This “Faith at Work” blog post is by 20-year-old guest contributor Grace Patterson.
Six Suggestions for Cleaner Communication
Watch a movie at the cinema, rent a DVD, or turn on the television and you won’t have to wait long to hear language that for many is inappropriate and offensive. This also applies to much of that which is published in novels, magazines and online. Students in the classroom, adults in the workplace, participants in sporting and cultural activities are also exposed to degrading and foul communication. It is everywhere.
In the booklet For the Strength of Youth (a Latter-day Saint publication for youth that outlines standards of behaviour based on the teachings of Jesus Christ) there is a section devoted to the language that we use.
It states, “How you speak says much about who you are. Clean and intelligent language is evidence of a bright and wholesome mind.”
The following suggestions, based on excerpts from For the Strength of Youth, will assist young people, and others, to elevate written and spoken language.
1. “Use language that uplifts, encourages, and compliments others.” Who doesn’t like to be told that they are doing a good job, or that their efforts are appreciated? It’s fairly safe to say that compliments and words of encouragement are well-received, and not even difficult to hand out. Try to focus your attention on uplifting those around you and making them feel better about themselves. It will come out in the way that you speak to them, the words that you use, and the tone that you take.
2. “Do not insult others or put them down, even in joking.” This step is a challenging one, as we have become a society that often makes comments that are very much tongue-in-cheek. It has become habit for many of us to use sarcasm heavily in our conversations, to the point where the person with whom we are conversing feels undermined and belittled. Try to avoid calling people out on their faults, and instead focus on and celebrate their positive attributes.
3. “Always use the names of God and Jesus Christ with reverence and respect.” In particular, the taking of the Lord’s name in vain has become far more common than it has ever been before. Also the mixing of other vulgar curse words with holy names has become casual practice. This should not be so.
4. “Profane, vulgar, or crude language or gestures, as well as jokes about immoral actions, are offensive to the Lord and to others.” Rather than offend God and others, find better ways to express yourself.
5. “Choose friends who use good language.” This does not only apply to your children’s friendships, but also to your own. In the workplace, especially, it is commonplace to swear and make crass jokes. Mentioning to your workmates or peers that you dislike foul language (and encouraging your children to do the same) will have a significant positive impact on your social environment and relationships.
6. “If you have developed a habit of swearing, you can break it.” This is so important to remember. If you have already become a “serial swearer,” it isn’t too late to ask for help. Simply begin by making a decision to alter the way you communicate, and then pray for help in breaking this habit if you have acquired it. Teach your children — and remember yourself — that no habit is too big to break.
Latter-day Saint prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008), encouraged clean speech in this way: “Don’t swear. Don’t profane. Avoid so-called dirty jokes. Stay away from conversation that is sprinkled with foul and filthy words. You will be happier if you do so, and your example will give strength to others.”
Guest contributor: Grace Patterson.