Tone of Voice Matters in Couples Counseling
It’s often something we don’t give much thought to, but tone of voice matters. We can tell almost instantly how someone feels but the way they speak. A tense, constricted voice may put us on “red alert” while a gentle soothing voice helps us relax and genuinely listen. Couples counselors notice the way you talk to to your partner and can also teach you skills so you can communicate more effectively. They way you talk about your marriage and the tone in which you speak to your partner all come into play when you examine the dynamics of your marriage.
As one expert puts it:
Our voice is a tool, and used effectively, is one of the most powerful in our toolbox. Just as important as what we say, however, is how we say it – the tone of our voice is part of that.
If our tone conveys an undercurrent of anger or frustration, sounds distracted or preoccupied, or is heavy with sarcasms, it will influence how others hear what we are saying and how they interpret our message.
A misinterpretation, based on our tone, will garble the message, at best, or lead to a giant misunderstanding. Misunderstandings in our workplace [and our relationships] can be the downfall.
The next time you speak to your partner (or anyone else in your life), take a moment to notice the way in which you speak. Recognize that you have the power to change that tone if you feel you are not getting the results you desire. It’s an approach of “working outside” in.
In the same turn, notice how others speak to you and what their tone communicates. The way you – and others – speak matters.
Related Posts
- Marriage Counseling – Why your Voice Matters
- How Couples Counseling Gives your Voice Back
- Marriage Counseling – Learning to Have a Voice Again
- Couples Counseling Deal with Financial Matters
- Financial Matters as a Need for Counseling
This is so true. I never really considered how many options and choices I had when it came to using my voice. I did a course called Vocal Fitness For Life in Dublin to help me with my presentations and meetings in work, which it did, but the impact on my life and particularly in my relationship was amazing. It is so important to look beyond the words that you say, and notice how knowing to make the right tonal choices gives you great strength, confidence and allows you to be you – the real you, and not the stressed out as a result of a tough day in work you! It was interesting to note the variety of professions attending – solicitors, counsellors, teachers – there was even a TV Presenter. All kinds of people that you would have thought knew the importance of voice, but it was very reassuring to see that they were actually as clueless as me! I cannot recommend this course enough. I found it on this website http://www.voicecoach.ie