Type 2: Soft Talk
This type of talk uses the power of a whisper. The more upset we get, the more we are likely to raise our voice. The more frustrated we are, the more the tone of our voice changes.
I think this is one of the hardest types of talk. I tend to wear what I am thinking on my face. Not a good negotiation strategy, huh? It also makes it is hard to convince anyone I am really open to what they are saying. If I communicate everything I think on my face all the while they are talking, I suspect they will shut up.
The same thing is true with the volume or tone of our voice. You know when you are getting “the voice” from a parent. Ours certainly had one they used on us. Perhaps it’s not a bad strategy to try Soft Talk.
When I work with groups of adults, I know that soft talk creates an atmosphere of listening closely. I also know that loud talking raises both anxiety and tension. This does not mean we all turned off our angry switch and will never get angry again for any reason.
If you decide to try Soft Talk, you simply turn the volume down two notches on the dial. Try it and see what happens.
We are providing a chart with certain typical teen behaviors and a space for you to decide what “type of talk” you want to try in response. It may get you thinking as you read through the types and topics. Click here to download the chart.
