Communicate with clarity

When we communicate with others, it’s important to be careful about not only what we say, but also how we say it.
When you speak loudly, others may think you’re angry or excited.
Speaking in lower tones can come across as threatening or timid.
If your face or body is tense, this can make the other person feel you’re stressed, angry or even aggressive. However, being too relaxed may make you appear bored or dismissive.
Speaking quickly can give the impression you’re being domineering or not open to discussion.
On the other hand, speaking too slowly can seem condescending or intimidating.
If you jump in too quickly with a response, it can feel like you’re interrupting or aren’t interested in their viewpoint.
Choose your words carefully, considering how the other person might perceive them. This helps you to avoid coming across as judgmental, dismissive or argumentative.
Remember: where you place emphasis can completely change the meaning of what you say.
Listen to how different these same statements sound when we change the emphasis:
“I don’t know.”
“I don’t know.”
“I don’t know.”
By paying attention to how you communicate, you’ll likely find there is less tension - on both sides of the conversation.