The next aspect of Right Speech is harsh speech, or violence in communication. It is rooted in the intent to harm and driven by a mind filled with ill will.

Our tongue can be the sharpest sword because the wounds it inflicts are internal. Our words and communication can make someone feel worthless, unwelcome, and even hated. Remember, communication isn’t limited to what we say—our body language counts too. So, when we roll our eyes as our old uncle rambles about his younger days, that’s mean. It chips away at his self-esteem and mocks his life experiences. It’s like denying his worth and the memories that shaped who he is.

I’m guilty of this myself. In those moments, we’re slowly killing someone—softly—by denying their value. Over time, that old uncle might go quiet. Eventually, he might stop speaking altogether, because no one seems interested in his stories or his cringe-worthy opinions about society.

In modern terms? We canceled him. That’s a form of harm, isn’t it? We murdered his self-esteem and ego.

Harsh speech, or harsh communication, is really about how we respond when others share their beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and emotions with us.

It’s not just about angry cussing or profanity. Sure, wishing someone would get hit by a truck definitely counts as harsh speech—and we should avoid that. But in reality, harsh communication runs deeper. That’s why we learn social etiquette—it helps us stay mindful of our body language and actions so we don’t unintentionally offend or dismiss others.

For example, throwing money at a cashier is rude and demeaning. Ignoring our teachers while they’re speaking is disrespectful. Interrupting someone mid-sentence makes them feel like their words belong in the trash bin.

I get it—this can all seem tedious and restrictive, especially when we’re young and reckless. But that’s often because we don’t yet understand the impact of our words, gestures, and even our silences. We don’t realize how easily we can hurt someone’s self-worth, how our carelessness can sour their outlook on the world. And naturally, people retaliate in their own ways. All of this—our actions and reactions—only makes society less kind and more hostile.

Conclusion:
Harsh speech is more than just shouting or swearing—it’s any communication, verbal or non-verbal, that causes harm. Practicing Right Speech asks us to pause and reflect on how we affect others with our tone, our gestures, even our silence. When we become more mindful of how we communicate, we create space for empathy, respect, and connection. And in a world that feels increasingly divided, that kind of compassion is a powerful force for healing.

May all beings be well and happy.