<![CDATA[Language serves not only as a medium for conveying information but also plays a role in shaping experiences, interpersonal relationships, and social reality. In daily life, utterances such as promises, apologies, admissions, criticisms, and expressions of support can yield consequences that transcend their literal meanings. This phenomenon is increasingly relevant in contemporary society, characterized by intense interpersonal and digital communication and a growing awareness of the social and emotional impacts of language use. This study aims to understand how individuals perceive the power of words and experience speech acts as part of the process of constructing reality in everyday life. A qualitative approach with a phenomenological design was employed to explore participants’ subjective experiences. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with individuals possessing reflective insights into the impact of utterances on social relationships and were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results reveal three primary patterns of meaning: words as shapers of self-understanding; language as a medium for building and repairing interpersonal relationships; and the tension between the power of utterances and the need for tangible action. The findings indicate that the power of language is relational, contextual, and interpretive; words do not automatically alter reality but participate in the process of change through the interaction of speaker, recipient, experience, action, and social context. Theoretically, this study enriches the understanding of Speech Act Theory by positioning the recipient’s experience as a crucial dimension in the success of speech acts. Practically, the study underscores the importance of reflective communication literacy in education, social relationships, and digital spaces.]]>
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