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Positive Words, Powerful Results: Simple Ways to Honor, Affirm, and Celebrate Life
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 in this jewel of a book, Hal Urban -- parent, award-winning teacher, and author of the classic Life's Greatest Lessons -- shows us simple and immediate ways that we can use language to change lives -- both our own and those around us.
223 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
48 people are currently reading
504 people want to read
About the author
Hal Urban
40 books32 followersHal Urban holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in history, and a Doctorate in education from the University of San Francisco. He has also done post-graduate study in the psychology of peak performance at Stanford University.
For thirty-six years he was an award-winning teacher at San Carlos and Woodside High Schools and at his alma mater, the University of San Francisco.
Hal is the author of six books - all with an emphasis on good character. His first book, Life's Greatest Lessons, was selected by Writer's Digest as the Inspirational Book of the Year. For more information about his writings click on the Books page.
Since 1992 Dr. Urban has traveled more than two million miles while speaking nationally and internationally on positive character traits and their relationship to the quality of life. He has made more than a thousand presentations in forty-two states, Washington DC, and eight foreign countries. Additional information about his talks can be found on the Speaking page.
In 2005 Dr. Urban was awarded his highest honor - the Sanford N. McDonnell Lifetime Achievement Award at the Character Education Partnership National Forum.
Hal has a genuine love of life that includes several passions, chief among them are the three F's - faith, family, and friends. His other main interests and activities are physical fitness, reading, sports, travel, photography, and life-long learning.
For thirty-six years he was an award-winning teacher at San Carlos and Woodside High Schools and at his alma mater, the University of San Francisco.
Hal is the author of six books - all with an emphasis on good character. His first book, Life's Greatest Lessons, was selected by Writer's Digest as the Inspirational Book of the Year. For more information about his writings click on the Books page.
Since 1992 Dr. Urban has traveled more than two million miles while speaking nationally and internationally on positive character traits and their relationship to the quality of life. He has made more than a thousand presentations in forty-two states, Washington DC, and eight foreign countries. Additional information about his talks can be found on the Speaking page.
In 2005 Dr. Urban was awarded his highest honor - the Sanford N. McDonnell Lifetime Achievement Award at the Character Education Partnership National Forum.
Hal has a genuine love of life that includes several passions, chief among them are the three F's - faith, family, and friends. His other main interests and activities are physical fitness, reading, sports, travel, photography, and life-long learning.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 22, 2014
We are an increasingly negative, critical, and mean-spirited society, and that is often reflected in the ways we speak to each other. (Or in the comments left on social media.) Hal Urban reminds us that words have the power to hurt and to heal, and he encourages us to use our words for good.
One of my favorite quotes comes from this book: "The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place, but, far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment."
Truly, not everything we think needs to be said. If we all read this book and then put its teachings into practice, we might actually have a different world.
One of my favorite quotes comes from this book: "The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place, but, far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment."
Truly, not everything we think needs to be said. If we all read this book and then put its teachings into practice, we might actually have a different world.
July 28, 2015
WORDS CAN CHANGE LIVES !
This Book inspired us , to use Positive words. Positive words always create good atmosphere.
In our day-to-day life we are used to speak swear & negative kind words (knowingly & unknowingly)
Author says , Be a 'Good Finder'(Find for Good in Everything and Appreciate that) instead of complaining take a responsibility!
Author has categorized these positive words in 5 types :
1. Joyful words (Celebration / Good news)
2. Affirmation , Appreciation (Acknowledge every individual)
3. Loving words - Express your Feelings , Affinity to your closed one
4. Gracias Words/Gratitude/Forgiveness
5. Funny words/Jokes
Make yourself habitual using these words, these words make positive atmosphere.
IN SHORT , THE BOOK IS VERY POSITIVE!! WORTH FOR READING SEVERAL TIMES !!
This Book inspired us , to use Positive words. Positive words always create good atmosphere.
In our day-to-day life we are used to speak swear & negative kind words (knowingly & unknowingly)
Author says , Be a 'Good Finder'(Find for Good in Everything and Appreciate that) instead of complaining take a responsibility!
Author has categorized these positive words in 5 types :
1. Joyful words (Celebration / Good news)
2. Affirmation , Appreciation (Acknowledge every individual)
3. Loving words - Express your Feelings , Affinity to your closed one
4. Gracias Words/Gratitude/Forgiveness
5. Funny words/Jokes
Make yourself habitual using these words, these words make positive atmosphere.
IN SHORT , THE BOOK IS VERY POSITIVE!! WORTH FOR READING SEVERAL TIMES !!
Read
March 9, 2024Read as an audiobook.
I checked this book out in hopes of it being full of positive words which would rewire my brain. It was not that. But rather about speaking positively to others. The premise that our words have power is there. There’s some good ideas like asking others to share their good news. I didn’t hear any acknowledgment about engaging difficult feelings. The positivity movement often seems to evade sadness etc.
No stars since it’s not what I was looking for.
How I rate books:
5 Stars= I absolutely loved it, felt very moved. Extraordinary. Maybe I cried. I rarely give this rating.
4 Stars= Well done. I was well engaged.
3 Stars= I enjoyed it but wasn't wowed. My most common rating
2 Stars=Meh
1 Stars= The kind of book that I feel shouldn't have been published be it might discourage some from becoming readers.
I checked this book out in hopes of it being full of positive words which would rewire my brain. It was not that. But rather about speaking positively to others. The premise that our words have power is there. There’s some good ideas like asking others to share their good news. I didn’t hear any acknowledgment about engaging difficult feelings. The positivity movement often seems to evade sadness etc.
No stars since it’s not what I was looking for.
How I rate books:
5 Stars= I absolutely loved it, felt very moved. Extraordinary. Maybe I cried. I rarely give this rating.
4 Stars= Well done. I was well engaged.
3 Stars= I enjoyed it but wasn't wowed. My most common rating
2 Stars=Meh
1 Stars= The kind of book that I feel shouldn't have been published be it might discourage some from becoming readers.
March 3, 2009
This should be a class in middle school or high school. Simple reminders that positive words can have a remarkable impact on yourself and those around you.
Everyone should read. I have finished but keep re-reading parts.
Working on a Positive Words contest for my library.
Everyone should read. I have finished but keep re-reading parts.
Working on a Positive Words contest for my library.
November 16, 2013
This book was a delightful surprise. I enjoyed learning how you can use positive words to make a real difference in your life and with those you interact with. Negative words can do the same thing, but in in the opposite direction. I recommend reading this book.
September 11, 2014
Such a good book! I think EVERYBODY needs to read this book. It would help the world to be a better place.
November 29, 2023
"Positive Words, Powerful Results: Simple Ways to Honor, Affirm, and Celebrate Life" by Hal Urban is a compelling reminder of the immense power of words. Urban skillfully conveys how our dialogues, both internal and external, shape our perceptions and actions. His book is rich with exercises that encourage the reader to practice and internalize his teachings, emphasizing the principle of 'Good In, Good Out', a creative modification of the familiar concept ‘Garbage In, Garbage Out (GIGO)’. He drives home the point that kind words, though costing little, have the profound ability to change lives. This book is not just about speaking positively; it's a guide to crafting a mindset where one always has something good to say, recognizing the good in others, and understanding the lasting impact of our words. A must-read for anyone looking to improve their communication and bring about positive change in their life and the lives of others.
July 30, 2023
A little too positive without any depth of why we should be positive and the actual data based approach to results. Positivity premise is definitely key, but I wish the author was able to compare it to negativity because balancing that is everywhere in life.
One specific section was in addressing feedback to someone. There are times when you do have to give negative and/or constructive feedback, and there wasn’t really any advice on how to give that. Sometimes, for example during a funeral or in constant sickness, it’s important to be negative and mourn and let some of this non-positive (doesn’t have to be negative, but even neutral) emotion out. The book talks of none of that, hence my original comment on lack of depth.
One specific section was in addressing feedback to someone. There are times when you do have to give negative and/or constructive feedback, and there wasn’t really any advice on how to give that. Sometimes, for example during a funeral or in constant sickness, it’s important to be negative and mourn and let some of this non-positive (doesn’t have to be negative, but even neutral) emotion out. The book talks of none of that, hence my original comment on lack of depth.
September 11, 2022
I love the words. “We live by choice and not by chance.”
This book reminds us to look at the say we speak and the harness the power of the words we choose. It gives easy to understand guides such as the Five As of Healthy communication.
After as season of international confusion and fear that the pandemic created, I believe that all leaders, whether you are a head of a family, a sporting team, book club, company of nation, can all give a refresher of using words that build.
This book does indeed live up to its promise of giving simple ways to honour, affirm and celebrate life.
This book reminds us to look at the say we speak and the harness the power of the words we choose. It gives easy to understand guides such as the Five As of Healthy communication.
After as season of international confusion and fear that the pandemic created, I believe that all leaders, whether you are a head of a family, a sporting team, book club, company of nation, can all give a refresher of using words that build.
This book does indeed live up to its promise of giving simple ways to honour, affirm and celebrate life.
August 2, 2023
This is one of the better self-help books I've read. I put it up there with how to win Friends and influence people and The Seven habits of highly effective people. And the results are both immediate and long-term. It's already helped me in my family, my classroom, my football team, in general interactions too.
July 24, 2018
As the author says at the beginning of the book, “You probably won’t find anything new in this book about words and the way we use them. You’ll just be reminded that what you say, and how you say it, can, indeed, be important.”
December 11, 2020
A nice positive reminder of the qualities of speaking positive, affirmative and praising.
I will think back to this book and remind myself to think before I feel like speaking in a negative manner and stop myself.
I will think back to this book and remind myself to think before I feel like speaking in a negative manner and stop myself.
May 12, 2021
Must read
My mentor told me to read this book. If he hadn't, I would have been deprived of a great treasure. World would definitely become heaven if we read this book again and again and implement what is suggest in this book.
My mentor told me to read this book. If he hadn't, I would have been deprived of a great treasure. World would definitely become heaven if we read this book again and again and implement what is suggest in this book.
July 6, 2017
Good vibes with this one. Call him old-fashioned but he is right on here. Can't believe what is coming out of people's mouths these days. Wish there were filters for the ear canals.
November 13, 2018
This book changed my life. I’d encourage all to read it, young or old. Hal Urban is truly a man to be looked up to.
February 19, 2019
This book can really put your daily life into perspective, makes you think about what you say and how to communicate with others more intuitively.
June 4, 2019
Our words have the potential to dramatically change the lives of others, and of ourselves, for the better, or worse.
September 14, 2019
Pretty good. Has some good advice.
December 22, 2019
อ่านเป็นครั้งที่ 2 แล้ว สิ่งสำคัญในเล่มนี้ยังเหมือนเดิม คือ ให้พูดดีๆ แล้วเรากับคนรอบข้างจะมีชีวิตที่ดี
แต่ว่าครั้งก่อน พออ่านจบ ทำบ้าง ไม่ทำบ้าง ดีขึ้นนิดหน่อย รอบนี้จะทำให้ดีกว่าเดิม
แต่ว่าครั้งก่อน พออ่านจบ ทำบ้าง ไม่ทำบ้าง ดีขึ้นนิดหน่อย รอบนี้จะทำให้ดีกว่าเดิม
July 8, 2020
Quick, uplifting read.
June 25, 2022
สอนดีมาก
April 9, 2023
Books that will positively impact our lives start with positive words.
May 17, 2024
The name of the book says it all. You just have to apply the principles.
March 17, 2023
Wonderful book on words
May 19, 2014
An excellent book. The book contains many examples, and a few practical suggestions on how to say be positive in everyday conversations. The two reasons the author wrote this book were to
1. Increase the awareness of the powerful affect words can have on us and those around us.
2. To encourage the use of positive statements and words. Kinds words cost little, but accomplish much. (Sometimes, a few words of encouragement can stay with a person for lifetime.)
1. Increase the awareness of the powerful affect words can have on us and those around us.
2. To encourage the use of positive statements and words. Kinds words cost little, but accomplish much. (Sometimes, a few words of encouragement can stay with a person for lifetime.)
September 11, 2014
I'm so glad I finally read this book! (Thanks Mom!) Though we are all sometimes unaware of the power of our words, how we speak has a profound impact on our world. The words we use greatly affect our attitudes, our relationships, and our futures--for better or worse. This was a very enlightening book, and the best thing was its simple yet empowering message: we can CHOOSE the words we say.
April 2, 2014
This book was very inpirational! I think it should be a must read for everyone who wants to change our society. In a society where we always focus on the bad and don't pay attention enough to the good. There are a great many points that would beneficial for our school to put into play. I am going to have to buy a copy for myself.
November 20, 2010
This book was amazing!! The author talks about how we have a choice to choose which words we say and how they can have a certain effect on people. He also talks about different ways to make a difference in people's lives and how to make them feel good instead of putting them down. It was a quick, easy read and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to have a more positive outlook on life.
December 23, 2013
Siempre es bueno recordar la importancia y el poder de las palabras y usarlas efectivamente. Totalmente recomendado para todos. Tiene muchos ejemplos y anécdotas de mucho valor. Deberían sacar la versión en español.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews