09“Many people are too well-bred to talk with their mouths full—but they have no qualms about doing so with their heads empty.” — Orson Welles
Orson Welles (1915–1985) was a renowned director, actor, screenwriter, and producer, often hailed as one of the most influential filmmakers of the 20th century. His innovative radio broadcast of “The War of the Worlds” (1938) caused widespread panic among listeners, showcasing his keen awareness of the impact of words, punctuation, tone, and emphasis.
Welles understood that eliciting strong emotions—such as panic—through a mere radio broadcast required a deep understanding of not only what he was saying, but more importantly, how he was saying it. He likely weighed every word carefully, recognizing the potential consequences of language. In this context, his quote may seem cynical or harsh, reflecting his frustration with those who choose their words without considering their impact.
It’s crucial to recognize who we are speaking to and to reflect on how our words might resonate. However, the emotional responses and interpretations of our words ultimately depend on the listener’s past experiences, which we cannot fully anticipate or control.
In today’s fast-paced communication landscape, we should take a cue from Welles: think carefully about our words before we speak, acknowledging their power to shape conversations and relationships.
In today’s business environment, how can we ensure our communication is both impactful and considerate of our audience’s perceptions?
