WORDS

"It's only words, and words are all I have to take your heart away". So goes a popular song. "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me". So goes a popular saying. Which of these two seemingly contradictory statements are true? Or, are they both false? Going by the power of the word, both statements, surprisingly, are true. The first statement, by virtue of it's being able to convey the deep love a person has for his heartthrob can achieve the desired goal. The second statement implies that a person with a determined or a callous attitude does not care about the opinion of a third person who, evidently, is not held in high esteem by the former. It is but natural that, in such cases, whatever words may be exchanged, they would have the least impact on the listener.

A scientist might describe the spoken word as 'audio waves intentionally created in the atmosphere by a human being utilizing his faculty of speech to convey thought processes.' The written word would be 'the deliberate impression of recognizable symbols on a visible surface to convey thought processes.' Both these capabilities are the exclusive preserve of Mankind, though dolphins and apes have been known to use a few basic sounds to communicate among themselves. Words are how the knowledge of our predecessors lives on, long after they, themselves, are dead and gone. Words are our legacy to our future generations. These words can be, as seen earlier, in audio or visual form, or in cyberspace in either of these two forms.

The power of the word can never be underestimated. "The pen is mightier than the sword." In the hands of a competent 'wordsmith', words can be enticed into performing Herculean tasks. Words can be coaxed and cajoled into communicating crisp, clear and concise connotations comprehensively. Words can be very temperamental, too. An expert at word craft would effortlessly be able to whip up public sentiment or public outcry with the judicious use of words. Nations have won their independence, or rid themselves of their tyrannical regimes, thanks to well-worded exhorting propaganda speeches and leaflets from leaders with the gift of the gab.

In the commercial world, the effective communicator - the user of words to the best effect, is the one who wins. The eye-catching advertisement, the persuasive salesman - these are the ultimate victors. In the legal world, more cases have been won by way of a lucid presentation of an effectual argument than by any other means. On the other hand, even a watertight case can be messed up solely due to an ineffective presentation.

There do exist situations which cannot be handled by words. Extreme grief, for instance. The loss of a loved one is one such occasion where even the choicest selection of words, however sincere, can never, ever, hope to alleviate the misery felt by the grieved. Another example would be, how does one end such an article? Words fail me!