Positive language teaches how to alter language so that it comes across as positive and constructive, rather than abrasive, hostile or confrontational. Using positive language tends to reduce conflict, improve communication, reduce defensiveness in others and help portray the people as credible and respectable.
Language, as we all know too well, is an exceedingly powerful tool. Whether you communicate orally, or in written form, the way you express yourself will affect whether your message is received positively or negatively. Even when you are conveying unpleasant news, the impact can be softened using what we call positive language.
We need to follow the example set by Global Voices. Global Voices, an online international network of bloggers, translators, and citizen journalists, has been exploring ways to publish stories that show "more light and humanity than darkness and despair."
As part of its efforts, the site, which publishes global stories that often get overlooked, launched a "Good News" category. This does not mean they totally ignore the bad things, like violence or poverty, but the new course of direction for them is to highlight more positive developments. The main idea was to tell stories that would encourage people to be more active citizens and have a desirable impact on the world.
The time is now to change the way we think and behave. The message, therefore, is to realise that the messages we portray affect human emotions. For example, if we highlight all the positives citizens will be more relaxed and satisfied.
When only negatives are highlighted, it obliterates the positives.
Michael Subero
Palmiste