Encouraging Words is the fifth studio album by American soul musician Billy Preston, released in September 1970 on Apple Records.

Despite its lack of commercial success, Encouraging Words is considered by some commentators to be among the best Apple albums released by an artist other than the Beatles or one of the band members.

With the Beatles' career essentially over, after John Lennon had privately announced his departure from the band in September 1969, Harrison dedicated himself to projects by his Apple signings such as Preston, Doris Troy and devotees from the London Radha Krishna Temple.

[2] Originally titled "Drop Out", the song "Encouraging Words" contains lyrics in which Preston urges: "Be kind, be cool, and be careful / Have hope, keep the faith, baby, and be grateful."

[5] When Preston's return to Britain was delayed by problems in obtaining a work permit, Harrison used the available time to join his friend Eric Clapton on the Delaney & Bonnie tour.

[5] Encouraging Words retained some of the all-star personnel from its predecessor − again featuring Clapton as well as Harrison on guitar − augmented by the likes of Ringo Starr, Klaus Voormann and various members of Delaney & Bonnie's band.

[1] Other contributors to the sessions included members of the Temptations' and Sam and Dave's backing bands, since both of these American soul acts happened to be touring in the UK at the time.

[1] According to author Simon Leng, the album represents a more sympathetic setting for Preston's music than had been the case on That's the Way God Planned It, and is a more successful blend of soul and rock.

"[23] Although it failed to achieve commercial success, Encouraging Words came to be viewed as one of Preston's best albums by his fans, and one of the best non-Beatle Apple releases.

With reference to That's the Way God Planned It and Encouraging Words, Wakeman said: "It's very frustrating when people only remember Billy as a session man, because these two largely overlooked albums are absolute gems – a perfect combination of gospel and funk.

[1] The 1993 and 2010 CD releases of Encouraging Words included Preston's rare Apple A-side "All That I've Got (I'm Gonna Give It to You)",[27] recorded in December 1969.