Ever notice how when someone gets near a child, that person’s manner of talking changes? “Oooh, whad a widdle biddy sweddie!” someone might coo. Suddenly the English language is softened and slurred in ways not normally heard! Or imagine getting together with a group of old friends who have certain references for things or “code words” for attractive representatives of the human race. Another person within earshot may not understand a single sentence! There are accents and dialects and culturally informed expressions and… there are just so many kinds of talk!
There’s trash talk for the field or court. Legalese for the courtroom. There’s sweet talk for the bedroom. Shall we mention “spin” for the pressroom? We sometimes – go ahead and admit it – talk out of both sides of our mouths because we’re pleasers to the core. The Bee Gees sang of “Jive Talkin” which is essentially lies and deception. Anybody else make small talk in a waiting room? How amazing, isn’t it, when we hear some good old straight talk!
“I like you!” How often do you hear those words from someone who doesn’t know you well? And how wonderful they feel, like a warm blanket on a chilly evening! “You did a very nice job with that presentation!” What a gift to receive those words spoken with complete sincerity! “Have you considered getting a second opinion?” What loving words to offer a dear friend who’s just heard the “C” word from a doctor! “I need to talk to you, and I would appreciate your full attention.” Clear, honest communication from one partner to another. Straight talk. As in, straight from the heart. As in, no fluff added, no stuff tacked on, no smokescreens, no quotes from third parties. Just the truth spoken out of the integrity of the self and for the good of another. Just the bare-naked truth. But no forked tongue.
Straight talk isn’t mean speech. Straight talk may be hard to receive but only because it’s not the goodness-and-light we would all welcome coming our way yet a truth that needs to be heard. Straight talk doesn’t shred someone with a good tongue lashing. It may correct but in a gentle supportiveness that seeks only to foster growth. Straight talk doesn’t jab at tender spots or punch as if with boxing gloves.
It’s been said that the tongue is the most powerful part of the human body. One might wonder if the jaw which holds it in place takes precedence! Still, of greater influence is the heart. The kind of talk that rolls off one’s tongue is directly connected to the heart behind it.
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