Intentional Communication: Gentle is Effective and Strong

I've observed, there are many people who stress themselves out just by the way they express their thoughts and feelings.

There are many ways in expressing our minds and hearts. But many tend to forget, or maybe essentially don't understand, that there are proper and effective ways in expressing them.

»You don't have to blabber a lot to be understood--you will just feel tired and seem toxic.

»You don't have to raise your voice--you will not be heard, you will not be pleasing to the ears.

»You don't have to exaggerate, appeal to emotion, or engage argumentum ad hominem--you will just be not credible, and next time they won't believe you anymore.

»You don't have to discredit or belittle the other person just to be right or to make point [that you know better]--no one would want to talk and listen to you. Yes, they seem listening, but they're not.

To communicate your feelings and thoughts effectively and for people to want to be around you and to listen and talk to you... remember:

~be calm

~empathize or be considerate

~tell the truth even when it hurts and be direct, in a diplomatic or humane manner

~know when and where to talk and when to stop talking

~don't raise your voice; instead, improve your arguments

~a soft voice is far more effective than a loud voice

~don't let your emotions get the best of you

~most importantly, think before you talk

Let us strive to be good communicators of our thoughts and feelings, and more considerate of the people around us. This way, we help in our own little way foster a positive environment for others, especially the little ones who look up to us and imbibe what they see that we do.

Letsl us teach the kids that:

°Shouting, quick to anger, talking a lot and unnecessarily, putting others down, doesn't want feedback, or always wanting to be center of attention--not strong.

°Gentleness, controlling emotions and temper, knowing when to stop talking or be silent, lifting or pulling others up, wants feedback and constructive criticisms, and working silently--strong.