(a) Actions speak louder than words 

Today a lot of importance is being given to the way we speak and what we speak. But we have to remember that ultimately it is not words but actions that are important. Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of our Nation, did not give any grand speeches. However, by his actions he saw that India gained her freedom. Our soldiers do not give long lectures on patriotism they merely act to defend the country. What would have happened if they had only spoken but not acted

This very well-known proverb is very apt when it comes to parent-child interaction. It has been seen that children observe the actions of their parents and imitate them not their words. In the animal kingdom too, the actions of the parent are of paramount importance. During elections, politicians make loud speeches but later on do not work. It is because of this behaviour that they lose the trust of the people. Thus, we must act with responsibility, always remembering that people observe our actions and are not swayed by our words.

(b) The face is the index of the mind.

[Points: facial expressions and eyes indicate one’s thoughts – this is. non-verbal communication – that is why we smile when happy and frown when sad – however, smart people can hide their feelings so that face does not show them – so one has to be careful while reading faces]

(c) Speech is silver and silence is golden.

[Points: we speak – we give others information or reveal our thoughts – others speak, we get information – sometimes we speak hastily and hurt others – create problems – remain silent and think – can find solutions – many leaders speak hastily – create international problems – better to be silent and let one’s actions speak]

(d) Argument is the worst kind of communication.

[Points: arguments – people get angry – angry words and raised voices – hurt people – confusion – relationships spoilt – instead talk softly and allow others to talk – accept that others can think in a different way – ‘a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still’]

(e) Attitudes are the real figures of speech.

[Points: quote by Edwin H Friedman – in communication, more than the verbal message, the non-verbal message important – your attitude and behaviour have more impact than your words – for example, if you say ‘sorry’ in a harsh tone without any apology on your face – the word has no meaning – hence body language and attitude are very important)

(f) The wise man has long ears and a short tongue

[Points: better to listen than to speak – wise people listen more and speak only when they have something important to say – speech is silver and silerwe is golden – in any situation it is better to remain silent and evaluate situation – empty vessels make the most noise]