How to Create a Positive Tone of Voice

When speaking with others, tone of voice matters almost as much as what is being said.
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Tone of voice matters. Even though you might try to say something positive, the meaning can get lost if it is said with a negative tone. This can create problems with friends and family, and also at work. By keeping a few important tips in mind when you're having a conversation, you can communicate what you really mean in a friendly manner, whether it is with a boss, coworker, professor, or fellow student.

1 Deepen Your Voice

When trying to create a positive tone simply deepen your voice, according to the Corporate Coach Group, an organization that trains businesspeople. A deeper voice is calming and conveys a sense of power, but you should not use an artificially deep voice to get results. Instead, the Corporate Coach Group recommends that you use the lower register of your normal speaking voice. This will prevent you from sounding shrill, which can put the listener on edge.

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2 Relax

When you get upset or are under stress, your body tenses up. This can lead to your voice sounding agitated or strained. Take a tip from Wildmind.com and try to relax your body as much as possible before speaking. Concentrate on relaxing your eyes, throat and heart, which can help soften your voice. When you are ready to speak, avoid using negative language, which can cloud whatever point you are trying to make no matter what tone you speak in.

3 Slow Down

Try slowing down when talking. This will give the listener time to understand what you're trying to tell them. Another risk of speaking too quickly is that you aren't giving yourself enough time to think about what you sound like while you're talking. Speaking slowly gives you time to choose your words, as well as remember the other keys to speaking with a positive tone of voice.

4 Word Choice

It's not just how you say it, but what you say that matters. There is more than one way to communicate any idea, and some variations might have positive connotations while others might be perceived negatively. English language trainer Pro ESL recommends that speakers be aware that words alone can carry a certain tone, and by choosing your words more carefully you can avoid creating negative reactions. For example, do not say "I need you to do this now"; instead say, "It would be great if you could get on that quickly." By softening your tone, you not only create positive feelings but you avoid creating negative ones.

Owen R. Smith is a client relations manager for Bridgewater Digital who has held staff positions with the "East Oregonian" and" The Oregonian." He began his professional writing career at the "Portland State Vanguard," which included stints as news editor, copy editor and editor-in-chief. He published his first book in 2010.

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