One time, in Jr.
High, I entered the Educational Fair dramatic recitation division.
"I Have
a Dream" was my chosen piece.
I remember feeling such passion as I recited
those powerful words. Two teachers became so emotional that they actually cried. It was such an educational
experience for me to feel the unbelievable power that words can have on human
emotion. We all have personal
experiences that come to mind when someone else speaks of mistreatment or
pain. Most of us have enough empathy to
feel at least a small portion of the discontent that is felt by another when
explained in detail. Words are
powerful.
Lack of verbal communication
almost always creates problems that could be avoided if people could and would
use appropriate words to convey feelings. Some people are afraid to speak up and state how
they feel. Communication doesn't come
easily for everyone, and sometimes one
must put effort into learning how to communicate effectively.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. understood the
power of words. He realized the
importance of conveying his message with chosen words that would evoke emotion
in the hearts of the audience.
I had the privilege
of being chosen to recite his speech again that evening for an audience of
family members and visitors. I won a medal for that entry, but I really earned so much more personally. Words can be weapons, or they can be combined into a melodious flow of emotions.
