It’s remarkable how powerful words, just words, are. Most of us can remember a criticism that hurt, maybe more than we can remember a compliment.

In the hands of a parent, words can be deflating or encouraging, critical or comforting. A parent who is never satisfied no matter the child’s achievement can inflict lifelong damage. And the effect of those words will last with that child well into adulthood and inform how they, in turn, will talk with their own children. A sad cycle.

These days, lies have a horrible power to cause almost irreversible damage. Social media can amplify those lies, and, before you can think twice, your words can become venom.

No doubt words have power. The question becomes how do we want to use that power. In this award-winning speech, Mohammed Qahtani makes a case for choosing wisely.