workplaceissues.com Monday Motivating Moment Motivation: It Is Not What We Say, It Is How We Say It

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Monday Motivating Moment

March 15, 2010

Your Weekly Attitude Booster

It Is Not What We Say,
It Is How We Say It

Have you ever been surprised by someone's response to a remark that you have made?

Have you ever been hurt or offended by a comment uttered by a co-worker, friend, or family member?

If so, was it the words of the offender or the tone of voice that stung you?

The following poem reminds us that often the manner in which our words are delivered can entirely change our meaning.

The Tone of the Voice

It's not so much what you say,
as the manner in which you say it;
It's not so much the language you use,
as the tone in which you convey it.

"Come here", I sharply said,
And the child cowered and wept.
"Come here", I said, he looked and smiled,
And straight to my lap he crept.

Words may be mild and fair,
But the tone may pierce like a dart;
Words may be soft as the summer air,
But the tone may break my heart;

For words come from the mind
Grow by study and art,
But tone leaps from the inner self,
Revealing the state of heart.

Whether you know it or not,
Whether you mean or care,
Gentleness, kindness, love and hate,
Envy, anger are there.

Then, would you quarrels avoid--
And peace and love rejoice?
Keep anger not only out of your words,
Keep it out of your voice.

(Author unknown)

Affirmation for the Week:

"I will choose my tone of voice carefully lest the meaning of my message is misconstrued."

Have a softly-toned week!

Mary Rau-Foster,

Copyright 2010 by Mary Rau-Foster. All rights reserved.
However, if you find this information helpful, we grant you permission, and strongly encourage you, to print this page and put it on your bulletin board, or download an Adobe PDF file with a printable version. Thank you.

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