During my last Science of Mind class we had to give yet another presentation from the podium. One of my classmates approached the platform and before he began he said,
"I really need the support of everybody here." He disclose that this would be difficult for him.

As I watched him, he appeared confident and knowledgeable. When he returned to his seat I said, "What are you talking about? You were great. I didn't see any evidence of nervousness. You have nothing to worry about." He grabbed my hand and I could feel it was sweaty.

He shared that my words meant so much to him, especially because I was a speech coach.

He said my words gave him confidence.

My intention wasn't to deliberately boost his confidence with words of encouragement. I was honestly flabbergasted that he felt this way since we had been giving class presentations last year. The only sign of nervousness was his sweaty palm. My advice?

Don't shake hands immediately after the presentation. (Just joking).

It made me realize once again the power of our words to change lives. Words can elevate people's spirits, infuse them with confidence, bathe them in love. In these times of transition you may not have money to pay somebody's mortgage or be able to give someone a job. But you have a gift that is more powerful than anything tangible-your words. Your words can heal.

You can change a life today. Give the gift of your words.

Author's Bio: 

Diane DiResta is president of DiResta Communications, Inc., a New York City consultancy serving business leaders who want to communicate with greater impact — whether face-to-face, in front of a crowd or from an electronic platform. DiResta is the author of Knockout Presentations: How to Deliver Your Message with Power, Punch, and Pizzazz, an Amazon.com category best-seller and widely-used text in college business communication courses. For a free audio course-Deadly Mistakes Speakers Make and How to Avoid Them for Maximum Success visit www.diresta.com