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About this quote

What does it mean?
Speaking kindly or politely requires no effort but can be very beneficial.
In plain terms
Kind words are free to say.
What can you take from it?
Speak politely without cost.

Where it applies

  • daily conversation
  • customer service
  • conflict de-escalation

Putting it to work

  • use polite language
  • praise others
  • avoid harsh words

Questions to consider

  • Do words cost anything?
  • Why say something nice?

Another view

It ignores that words can sometimes be manipulative.

More from John Heywood

  1. Better is to bow than break.

    Permalink to quote #19
  2. Two heads are better than one.

    Permalink to quote #21
  3. The nearer to the church, the further from God.

    Permalink to quote #18

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