''Listen not merely to what is said but to the tone of voice in which it is said.''
This may be one of those blogs that requires you to wear steel-toed boots.
The tone of our voice is quite revealing as to what our temperment is at the moment. You can say the exact same thing verbatim but it can have quite a different meaning with different tones. ''Will you take out the trash?'' or ''WILL YOU TAKE OUT THE TRASH?'' If you haven't said this both ways, then you get a gold star. Jerry Seinfeld says he didn't even know he had different tones till he got married.
Why do we do it? Usually because we're exasperated. Lack of patience would probably account for most of it. We might think our point will get across without the use of profanity, if we just use a more definitive tone. Some people use a fed-up tone whether its a 911 crisis or spilt milk.
Take a moment by yourself and examine how not only what you say but how you say it comes across to others. If you think it's uncontrollable, think of the tone you use in moments when you're not on pins and needles. So calm down, use that tone and you'll see the trash disappear faster than you would otherwise.
I tend to do this with a snarky tone these days. This is with out a doubt one of your best!!!
ReplyDeleteSo true, and so convicting. I have often said that to others, "It's not so much what you say as it is how you say it." Thanks again, Angie, for bringing it all down to earth and reality.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Angie. I am SO guilty of using the wrong tone. The Lord convicts me daily. On my good days, I will begin with "Honey" or "Sweetie....the trash needs to go out." It is amazing how much difference one kind word can make when making a statement or a request. Also, it seems the tone improves when using a kind salutation! Boy, when you meddle, you surely hit the nail on the head for some of us!! Love you, sweet friend...thank you for making me a better person...T.
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