The Power of Words: What We Say Shapes Who We Become

A few days ago, a friend sent me a video titled “One of the most powerful and influential speeches you will ever hear.”

It was Mohammed Qahtani’s winning speech at the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking. You can watch it here: The Power of Words.

In his talk, he reminds us that words can start wars or create peace, break hearts or heal them, destroy hope or ignite it. The message is simple, yet it stays with you. Because every word we say carries energy.

We often talk about communication as a leadership skill, but we forget how much leadership begins with self-talk. The words we whisper to ourselves shape how we show up in the world.

Think about it. When you tell yourself “I can’t,” your mind starts collecting proof that you can’t. When you tell yourself “I’ll try,” your mind begins looking for ways you actually can.

Words become a mirror. They reflect what we believe and slowly turn it into reality.

And this isn’t only about self-talk. It is also about how we speak as professionals and leaders.

Because the words we use at work can shift culture, inspire trust, and spark change.

When Satya Nadella became CEO of Microsoft, he replaced a “know it all” mindset with a “learn it all” one. One tiny change in language transformed how people approached challenges. It turned perfection into curiosity.

When Jacinda Ardern faced the Christchurch tragedy, she said, “They are us.” Three words that brought a nation together. Her language carried empathy that no policy could deliver.

Howard Schultz at Starbucks chose to call employees “partners.” That word built belonging. It reminded everyone they were part of something shared, not something owned.

And Brené Brown gave us one of my favorite phrases: “Clear is kind.” It changed how people think about feedback. Being honest stopped feeling harsh and started feeling human.

I learned the power of words in my own way. During one of my busiest periods, I noticed I was speaking in short, sharp sentences. Always on the go. Until one day, someone in my team said, “You sound disappointed even when you’re not.” That line hit me. Because tone is a word too.

Since then, I’ve learned to slow down and listen to what my words are really saying. Not just to others, but to myself. My personal experience is totally in line with this. I’ve noticed that whatever I told myself, I ended up creating whether it was good or bad. I always faced the results myself. So why not believe in positive change? Why not use words that build instead of break?

Before you speak, pause.

Before you react, breathe.

Before you tell yourself you can’t, remember that you can.

Words are powerful.

Use them with care, with courage, and with kindness.