Spoken, written, texted, tweeted. The sheer volume of verbiage that finds its way to expressed form on a daily basis must be colossal.
I remember a seminary professor describing words as being like arrows- once released, there is no getting them back. Things are set in motion, for better or worse. Impressions are made, opinions formed.
Words heal and wound. They compliment, denigrate, conflate, conflict, clarify, confuse, deflect, distract. Words inspire and anger. They fan the flames or pacify. A command of the English or any language is a formidable tool. Or weapon.
They may not speak as loudly as actions, but words generate their own sound intensity. And through them, we are given glimpses into who people really are.