In A Few Words!

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint. Proverbs 17:27

This past week, Randy and I met another couple in a restaurant for lunch. As usual, the place was crowded and of course, loud!. When we sat down in our booth, I was immediately aware of the two men who were having a conversation behind us. I was aware because one of them was very loud, and he controlled almost all of the conversation!

I quickly deduced that this was a business, probably job interview, meeting because one man asked a question and for the next ten minutes, the other guy answered. He was not able to answer in a few words!

My mind went back to my high school days, my English teacher, and my time on the declamation team there. A declamation is a formal rhetorical speech or recitation usually memorized and delivered with dramatic passion and flair. The goal of the speech is to passionately express ideas and to persuade the audience to connect with your message. We were judged on the delivery of the message and the content.

As a presenter, we got one minute to introduce the work, the author, and the circumstances under which the work was written. When the actual speech began, we were allowed five to seven minutes to deliver around 650 to 800 words. The pace of the speech had to be adjusted according to the presenter.

I figured that this guy in the booth behind me must have spoken at least 1600 to 2000 words just to answer one question! Not only did he lose me, but I’m pretty sure he lost the interviewer as well!

We’ve all been a part of a conversation or presentation where one person seems to take over and dominate. It can be frustrating to those involved because there’s the issue of trying to be polite while finding yourself and others totally manipulated by the person speaking. One almost wants to ring a bell and call “time out”!

There’s a lot of merit in being able to express ones self using a few words. Jesus knew the value of being a man of few words. He taught with powerful, concise words often using short commands or memorable phrases such as “Follow Me”. He got His message across using parables, storytelling, miracles, or asking questions of His followers. He told of God’s love through His actions and experiences. The crowd was always engaged.

With only a few words, Jesus could speak with a quiet gentleness or with an authority that thundered in its confidence. He took the deaf and mute man from the crowd, touched his ears and tongue, and with two words, “Be opened”, He brought healing. Jarirus’s daughter heard the voice of Jesus call her back to the living with two gentle words, “Arise child.” From the cross, Jesus raised His voice and uttered three words, “It is finished.” These few words still ring down to us today.

Modern day has its own share of men and women of a few words. Martin Luther King was a man of few words, and we remember the few words today from his speech, “I Have a Dream”! We remember John F.Kennedy’s few words where he challenged each American to”Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.”

Oprah Winfrey used a few words when she said, “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” Amelia Earhart said, “Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace.” We can learn just as much or more from those we know who are adept at being a person of a few words.

Being a person of a few words offers benefits such as an increased impact, deeper listening, and perceived wisdom because concise communication often signals thoughtfulness and confidence preventing misunderstandings and making listeners more receptive to valuable contributions.

There are so many phrases of a few words that offer just what we need to hear sometimes. For example, I love you; I forgive you; Congratulations;Thank you; You did a great job; Thank you for your service; This too shall pass; God is with you; God bless you; I miss you; I am praying for you; God has this; Get well soon; I’m here for you; I’m so proud of you; and You don’t have to do this alone; just to name a few.

The hymn Wonderful Words of Life by P.P. Bliss conveys the message of the power of words in a few words. Sing them over again to me, Wonderful words of life. Let me more of their beauty see, Wonderful words of life. Words of life and beauty; teach me faith and duty. Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful words of life.

This week offers each of us the opportunity to tell others what they need to hear in a few words.