As a child, I heard often
It is not what you say
But how you say it
Of course, this was not fully
Understood
But life's passing years help
Us in understanding most
Abstract comments heard
In our younger years
It is now in mid life that tone
Is so revealing:
Concern, impatience, empathy,
Anger...
Watch your tone, my mother said
To me as a child
Now I find myself truly,
Listening
Concentrating, more on what is
Implied by the tone of voice
Sweet pleasantries can be disrupted
From a tone of insincerity
Words are empty vessels without
Tone, or appropriate pause to convey
The true message
Watch your tone, I now say for it is
Telling a story larger than your words
Listen and even you may be surprised
At what you truly say!
written by Pauline
copyright, 2006
3 comments:
Ha! I taught this concept in class the other day. It was fun.
I was told years ago that you can say anything as long as you do it with a laugh in your voice.
And I have found this to be very true. People will accept the most insulting comments if it sounds like you are making a joke.
Quilldance, we always seem to be in the same mindset, isn't it fascinating?
Goldennib, as a receptionist I know this to be a fact. With a smile and a light tone I can say "almost" anything.
Post a Comment