Ray Kreienkamp
6/17/05
Assignment 2
Assignment 2: Reason
The Right Speech Experiment
Observe your own speech and monitor it. Watch the words that come out of your mouth. Ask yourself what the words reveal to you about yourself. Are you honest? Do you try to be truthful? Are you kind? Open? Rational?
After observing my speech for just a mere weak, I discovered many things about my inner self that I had not realized before. Since I had never taken the time to investigate my speech before, I found many patterns in my speech of which I was somewhat ashamed. For example, when I was talking to myself or in the midst of playing a sport, I used vulgar language many times that I probably should not have. Similarly, when I was around my siblings, I realized that, at some times, I was quite shrewd in my criticism of my family members. For example, if I had practice later in the evening and I was expecting to eat at a certain time, but the food was not ready at that time, I was very shrewd and critical of my mother. Another thing I realized from observing my speech was the lack of respect I sometimes showed my parents when they asked me a question. For example, when they would ask me about what we did in class on a random day, I sometimes would reply, "Stuff." Other times they ask me about what I did with my friends, and I still would say, "Stuff." As a result of my findings, I realized that I was not as much of a Christian as I thought. I realized that there are many more things I could do to make myself a better person. First, I could try and be less vulgar in my speech. Even though this trait is not evident most of the time when family is around, I realize I am always influencing the younger siblings around me and thus should try to stop this trait. Second, I could be less critical of those around me. Instead of just insulting those around me, I could be less critical and help them rather than just be a jerk and criticize them. Finally, I could communicate a little better with my parents. Despite my desire to not explain what happens during my day, I should be open to telling them what happened during my day and realize the only reason they want to know about my day is that they care for me. As a result of this enlightening experience of examining my speech, I realized I have many improvements to make if I want to be a true Christian.
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