THINK Before Your Speak—in a Helpful Infographic!

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Do you THINK before you speak? Well, hopefully this THINK infographic will help us all communcate more clearly and kindly—plus it includes 5 additional thoughtful questions to ponder!

Because in a world full of rushing and reactivity, how we communicate matters more than ever. We’ve all said or typed something in the heat of the moment—and instantly wished we could take it back. That’s because words carry real power: they can build someone up or knock them down. And that old adage about sticks and stones breaking our bones, but words can never hurt me? I think we all know that’s not true…

So this is where the THINK acronym comes in: a simple, 5 letter reminder to pause before we speak (or hit send)! It invites us to ask whether what we’re about to say is True, Helpful, an Improvement on silence, Necessary—and Kind.

THINK Acronym History

The THINK acronym has a long and varied history. I have heard first-hand reports stories of children being taught THINK in schools in the 1940s, of preachers using it in the 1950s and 60s, of 12 Step Programs using it, of Management Development training using it in the 1980s, that it aligns with Buddhist and Judeo-Christian teachings and more. And now, in its latest incarnation, the THINK acronym is being used as an anti-bullying slogan for Social Media and in schoools.

In fact, in an online world (whether it’s social media, messaging or chat forums) where it’s all too easy to fire off words we’d never say face to face, THINK before you speak is more relevant than ever.

Yet it’s just as powerful in your everyday communications whether that’s with a colleague, friend, your children or your partner.

Here’s your THINK infographic:

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Wrap-up

One of the biggest boosts to our happiness is deeper connection with each other. And how we communicate makes all the difference. So using THINK to make even one small shift toward kindness can ripple out further than we know.

So take a quiet moment to reflect and make THINK before you speak work for you by pondering these questions below:

Where could the THINK acronym help you most—at work, at home or socially?
Who else in your life might find this acronym helpful?
And where could you share or post this THINK infographic to spread a little more kindness (and maybe reduce some online bullying)?

Love this THINK infographic? Try:

Change the world. Start with you!