Tone of Voice

Tone of Voice

 

The way you say it means just as much as what you say.

 

Walking through life we have a “tone of voice” in the way we live. The way we speak and act causes tones to ring out for everyone we encounter to hear. What is the tone of my voice? I hope it is passion…for God, for Scott, for family, for hurting people, for life. I hope it is zeal. Expression is interpreted in written words because there is no inflection of voice or facial signals. Words must be chosen carefully in order to send the intended message. Are we careful with our words? Are you?

 

How many times has someone noticed your smile? Your confidence? Your upbeat disposition? Your encouragement? If you get that a lot you more than likely have a tone of voice that is appealing to people. Life lifting. Evangelistic maybe. If you don’t get that so much you may want to consider singing another song. It takes a bit of effort but once you decide that you matter…that you have a part to play in this great cosmic God-plan, you carry yourself differently. On purpose. Carrying ourselves down trodden and sad-faced, short-tempered or just unengaged communicates something. It’s the wrong message.

 

 

The way we treat people in service positions speaks a lot about our “tone of voice”. Condescension is self-absorption. Have you ever been out with a friend who talks down to the waitress or sales clerk? I have. It is disheartening to say the least. Have you hung out with teenagers much? They can be very critical and fault finding, not unlike some of us. The thing about being a teenager is that they are young and growing up. It is time to have a critical eye because it helps them develop into the person they want to become. The positive side of critical is that is help evaluate and can lead toward good decision making. It is ugly when criticism gets vocal… toward people’s appearance, clothing, conduct, etc. Judgmental even. When you discover that some of your purpose in life is to build a bridge from darkness to light you lighten up on harsh criticism. You get a better tone of voice, a lighter one like the Pied Piper, one people can follow.

 

People are amazing. They are made in the image of God, even if they act like the devil sometimes. Wouldn’t it be cool if we could treat people from a place of tenderness and security in our own hearts? Having a tone of voice that is kind and winsome could make all the difference.

 

What is your tone of voice? Do you love Jesus? How are you saying it? Do you like people? Do you want to make a difference in the world? Be the solution you are looking for.