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This is an example of the power of words and the power of illustrations.

I do not know where this came from, if it is real or not. As you read it, consider what your physical reactions are. As you do, remember that you can do the same with your audience.

According to a news report, a certain private school was recently faced with an unusual problem .

Some of young girls started using lipstick. But it did not stop there. They would then proceed to put lip stick kisses on in the bathroom mirrors.

There would be dozens of little lip stick kiss prints on the mirror every day. That evening, the custodian would remove them.

The next day the girls would put them back.

Finally the principle decided to do something to bring this to an end. She gave it considerable thought before coming up with a solution. Calling all the girls to the bathroom, she met with them along with the custodian.

The young women were told of the needless extra work they were making for the custodian. They were each asked a few questions, “Would you want someone to do this in your home?” How would you feel?”

As the principle went on to discuss the extra work created for the custodian who had to clean the mirrors every night, the girls rolled their eyes.

Realizing she was not getting through, she proceeded to have the custodian come in and demonstrate how much work it was to clean the mirrors.

She said, “Would you please show the girls how difficult it is to clean the mirrors every evening?”

The custodian went out to his cart and returned with a brush and a squeegee. He proceeded to take the brush, dip it in the toilet and then to wet the mirror.

The same eyes that were rolling moments before were now wide and horrified.

Before going on with the story, what did you do when you read how the custodian cleaned the mirrors. Did your lips pucker? Did you clinch your lips? Did you have some kind of visceral reaction?

If so, then you learned the power of words.

This is only one part of the process of reaching the audience. Learn more at the Audience section of Speechmastery.com

Speak well and prosper.