I had the good fortune to interview a remarkable school principal two weeks ago during a school safety and security audit in my home state. One thing I noticed right away was his calm, reassuring voice with a very low volume. His words were measured and soothing. His words also counted. His achievements as an educator are truly impressive. His school is located in a high crime area and serves mostly students who would be categorized as high risk coming from high crime and low-income neighborhoods. But in his school, calm and respectful behavior is the norm rather than the exception.
How we speak to others speaks volumes. His caring and thoughtful manner of speech sets a positive and reassuring tone in his school, which helps his staff to achieve great things against all odds. The words we speak and the way we speak them is important and is impactful. Showing respect to others by our words and our tone of voice is a powerful way to show people that we want them to succeed because we care. With at-risk youth, this can make a major difference. Choose your words carefully and convey them with respect and you will enhance your ability to make a difference in the world.