WHILE watching The Apprentice on BBC1, I was struck by the way the contestants spoke to each other. I realise it is a competitive television show, but these ambitious young people treated each other with such verbal disrespect.

In the same week, Mairead McGuinness, vice-president of the European Parliament, spoke of a "coarseness" permeating language which leads to negative interaction.

No society functions well without positive interaction and communication. Current war zones and Remembrance services are proof of this.

There is one word we all need to use much more often in our daily lives. It promotes positivity and has a sense of respect and caring embedded in it. Far from being weakening, it is remarkably empowering. The wee word is "gentle".

Sue Wade,

5 Lindston Place, Ayr.