Contents Preface: There's Nothing New Under the Sun... Introduction: Two Simple Reasons for Writing This Book Part One: The Origins and Influence of Words 1. Words Make Us Human 2. Words Can Change Lives 3. Words Can Hurt and Offend 4. Words Come from the Heart 5. Words Are Choices Part Two: The Win-Win Rewards of Positive Words 6. Joyful Words Celebrate Life 7. Affirming Words Inspire Others...and Ourselves 8. Loving Words Build and Heal Relationships 9. Gracious Words Show Respect and Gratitude 10. Funny Words Make Us Laugh Part Three: Four Places Where Positive Words Can Work Wonders 11. Affectionate Words Build Strong Families 12. Gentle Words Teach Kindness in Our Schools 13. Supportive Words Boost Morale and Results at Work 14. Encouraging Words Enhance Performance and Fun in Sports Part Four: Two Final Thoughts on the Power of Positive Words 15. Kind Words in Writing Become Lasting Treasures 16. Positive Words Add Joy to Life...but Only in the Living Part Five: Summary and Conclusion: Always Have Something Good to Say Acknowledgments

Although we live in an ocean of words, we rarely acknowledge their power to uplift or put down, to inspire or discourage, to help or hurt. But Urban shows us simple and immediate ways that we can use language to change lives--both our own and those around us.

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