The human voice is a powerful tool. From Martin Luther King Jr and Gandi, to JFK and Churchill, used correctly the human voice has shaped modern history like no other medium.
However, not every conversation we encounter is one that is good. Is this article we refer this use of the voice as a sin. And these are what we consider the 7 deadly sins of speaking.
1. Gossip
Everyone knows a gossip. It is great when you hear some gossip that is a little naughty and something you shouldn't know. However, as soon as you leave the room chances are the gossiper will be talking about you. People who gossip spread rumours, true or otherwise, regardless of the pain it can cause.
2. Judging
People who judge place themselves on a pedestal and believe that their opinions are the only ones that count. Being judged in a conversation leaves a bitter taste in the mouth and typically the people doing the judging are not privy to all the information that goes along with someone's decisions. Case in point. New mums often judge other new mums for not breast feeding when they have no idea what decisions were made by the the non-breast feeder and why.
3. Negativity
Whether it's in the work place, down the pub or at home, listening to negative comments brings people down. In life it is much more appealing to be around positive people as they are uplifting and inspiring. Negative people run the risk of losing their friends, the respect of their colleagues and the love from the people around them due to their poor attitude. However, chances are these people would feel the world conspired against them when this happens rather than look inwardly to find the reasons.
4. Complaining
People who complain are negative. But they turn their negativity into an art form by complaining about everything; a meal they just paid for, the weather, their football team, a film, the news, their love life, their home life, work ... the list goes on. Think of trolls on social media is the gods and goddesses of complaining, even if they do their talking with their fingers.
5. Lying
Whether it's a small fib or down right lie to your face, people who lie are doing it because the truth won't paint them in a good light. Missing a deadline at work, lying on your CV, spending the rent money and then lying about it to your partner, having an illicit affair etc. We all know someone who lies and pound to a penny you don't like them nor seek out their company. The truth of the matter is that liars fail and they cover up their failures with stories that cover their arse.
6. Excuses
Like lying, excuses litter our lives. At school the excuse that "my dog ate my homework" is funny. Once. But at work or in serious situations, people who make excuses are really saying they couldn't be bothered or weren't up to the task. Typically this kind of person will blame something or someone else because, let's face it, these people don't want place the blame on themselves and be judged negatively by others.
7. Exaggeration
The words epic, awesome, legend and hero used to mean something. Today they are banded about like confetti. You were once considered a hero for serving your country or saving a life. Now you're a hero if you get a coffee or a snack for a colleague at work. And what is awesome? Is it the Grand Canyon, space, the birth of a child or something that has a huge positive impact on your life? Or is it watching someone 'fail' and fall over on YouTube?
Language is not pure and never will be but we think that the world would be a better place without these 7 deadly sins of speaking and conversation.
