Para-verbal Communication
Explore how vocal qualities such as tone, pitch, pace, volume, and emphasis, can dramatically transform the meaning of spoken language.
Even when the words stay exactly the same, the way we say them can communicate reassurance, annoyance, uncertainty, humour, authority, or empathy.
Developing this awareness is essential for effective communication, especially in supportive, educational, or conflict-sensitive environments.
In a simple sentence like; “I didn’t say you were wrong” , we can express completely different intentions, depending on our delivery.
Experiment with tone and emphasis, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how your vocal cues shape interpretation, and emotional responses.
Listen here
3 ways to say the same thing differently
“I didn’t say you were wrong.”
Delivered softly, with a calm pace and gentle emphasis on didn’t, this version conveys reassurance.
It suggests the speaker wants to ease tension and clarify a misunderstanding.
“I didn’t say you were wrong.”
Spoken more quickly with a sharper pitch on you, this version can sound defensive.
It implies frustration or a desire to redirect blame.
“I didn’t say you were wrong.”
Using a slower pace and rising intonation on wrong, this version can imply that the speaker didn’t say it, but perhaps they were thinking it.
It adds nuance or subtle doubt.
