tone

Isn't it weird how tone is such an important part of communication? I'm very bad at hiding how I'm feeling. The words may come out ok but the tone gives me away every time. Usually I find this is a hindrance. Today, for example, I was talking to someone about what should be a very exciting life event. My words were fine but my tone was a leftover of work frustration. (Sorry about that...I really am happy for you.)

On the other hand, my tone totally helped at work today. You try to remain professional at all times regardless of the level of professionalism of those around you. Yeah, whatever. Not today. Today was one of those days where you just want to yell at co-workers, preferably including curse words. You'd like for them to just shut up or at least stop complaining. (For the record, the irony of this post is not lost on me. I know I complain just not all. the. time.) At some point I just couldn't take it anymore. The jovial attitude was out the window. Actually, the words that came out were similar to what I'd say normally but without the joking manner. If you drop that tone to something neutral--deadpan without the subsequent hint of teasing--it really stops people in their tracks. Take "bring it on, sista." Yep, can go from joking to confrontational like that. You know, um, for example. You cannot be subtle with these people. The bad mood I fell into by being surrounded by their negativity was the exact thing that got them to perk up a bit. Strange.

I could be kidding about this entire post but you'd never know because you can't hear me talking about it...