Words are powerful. Words are contagious. Hopeful words infect people with energy and enthusiasm. Cynical words unleash energy-sucking negativity, doubt and fear.

When our words convey that we believe in others, and encourage them to believe in themselves, we hand them the key to their own power. We help them stretch their thinking, envision success, and open the door to their true potential.

A research study revealed that human beings typically speak about 16,000 words per day. These words may be the catalyst that send someone into an emotional tailspin or the spark that spurs him to great achievement.

Our words should challenge others. When we challenge people, even those struggling, it can be the kindest and most impactful thing we do. Yet we must also be clear that we see something in them that perhaps they don't see themselves, and we believe they can, and we're there to support them.

How can you make you make a more positive impact with your 16,000 words?

Think about the words you will use in your next meeting, your next class, your next chat with your parent, child or significant other.

Consult the "Language of Mattering" for effective "prompts."

Before you begin, take a few seconds to recall your “keywords.”

When the conversation is over, reflect on how your words were received, and adjust accordingly for the next conversation.

Challenge others to stop using self-limiting words, and to call you out when you do, whether about them or yourself. The way you talk about yourself may shape others as much as the way you talk about them.

At his NFL Hall of Fame Induction in 2016, Brett Favre spoke about his father, who was his high school football coach. He talked about his father's "tough love" and said that if Brett ever did anything good in his father's eyes, "I was not to know it." Yet in the clip below, Brett speaks about a different kind of statement, that he inadvertently overheard, that inspired him for the rest of his life.

Here's the full speech.

Are the 16,000 words you use each day impacting others in such a way? If not, we have some work to do.

This post is adapted from a lesson in our online professional development course on the tenets of Choose2Matter. It comes with an implementation guide and classroom-ready materials, and will change the culture of your school, for good. It is life changing.

Follow Angela Maiers on Twitter.