Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can REALLY hurt me

Speaker: Dominic Murphy, Senior Lecturer in Education.

Think back to your school days. Can you remember a time when a teacher said something to you which really made you feel good about yourself, boosted your confidence, maybe even changed your life? And, when at about a time when something a teacher said had the opposite effect – made you shrivel up inside, doubt yourself, maybe still affects you now?

Word matter. Words have power. Sometimes, we’re aware of the effects that our words can have on others; but it is often little everyday comments – things we are unaware of – that can have negative effects on others.

This talk considers micro-aggressions – those little everyday unconscious slights – and how they can be counteracted by micro-affirmations – small conscious positive words and actions. I believe that all of us have the ability to improve people’s lives through the words we use.

Register for Sticks and Stones.