When I was little my parents said to me “Think before you speak”. As I grew up I thought that I would sooner be more spontaneous when speaking. On becoming older I realize the importance of speaking consciously. Our words have an impact on others. Even the words we use to speak of the earthquake can increase or neutralize fear. When we say the earthquake “struck”, isn’t there a subtle suggestion that something [the earth] is doing something deliberate to us. And is something to be feared. Why not say that the earthquake happened, which is neutral. Speak consciously – there is so much influence in our words.