Tone of Voice is Key.
From my last article:
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@allandharvey/congruence-in-communicating
Because body language paints such a distinct picture of the communicator in face to face communication, more emphasis needs to be placed on the role your tone of voice (38%) and words (7%) play when sending and receiving a message via a cellphone or landline.
You can HEAR body language???
Just by the way. I remember when I was in a long-distance relationship with a young lady who was a PA. I called her as we hadn't chatted for a while. I could hear her body language. She was busy typing while I was trying to have a conversation with her. Of course I asked to cease the activity as I found it off-putting. She respected that and we never had the discussion again.
How often have you been talking to someone on the phone and you can hear that they are busy doing something else on the other side, in addition to conversing with you. Even in face to face communication I do not tolerate anything other than the undivided attention of the other party. I afford them the same respect.
Think about it. Tone of voice is affected by your mood, your surroundings, time of day or night, what you are currently busy with and the way you are dressed and so on. The latter can influence, albeit ever so slightly, how you come across, especially if you are negotiating a business deal with an important supplier or client.
If you are stressed or frustrated know just how that can affect the tone of your voice. Your mood is vital in supporting the words you choose to use.
Whilst words constitute 7% importance in face to face communications they take on more significance when not accompanied by the person expressing them. Choose your words carefully and ensure they match the tone of your voice. Even in face to face communications no matter how impeccable your appearance may be, or how uncompromising your tone of voice, an ill-timed inappropriate use of foul language can destroy your credibility as a communicator.
Always err on the side of caution whenever you are communicating with people that might not know you as well as you think they do. It will pay dividends.
Look out for.....
In my next article I am going to shed new light on defining communication from a sending and receiving point of view.
Learn to be more conscious of your surroundings and activities BEFORE you make that all-important call. In order to derive optimal outcomes from your communication, create the best environment and take ownership for dealing with your mood, stress levels and state of mind.