In past generations, grandparents and elders were the authority. We turned to elders as mentors. One of my wise sages was an English Grandmother. She had a list of ten (10) tips typed with an old typewriter on a yellowed sheet.  She shared it with me in 1970, and it just surfaced when I was looking through photo albums. In the next few days, I would like to share these tips with you.
This list is on an old sheet of yellowed paper.  I didn’t know where it came from until today, but I had pinned to my board for years. Today, in my research on the internet, it looks like the list may have come from an Ann Lander’s column. It was a list of tips for how to get along with people.
 

How to Get Along with People – Tip #1

1. Keep skid chains on your tongue; always say less than you think. Cultivate a low, persuasive voice. How you say it often counts for more than what you say.

How do we define a skid chain? According to Wikipedia, it is a device you put on a tire to provide maximum traction when driving through snow and ice. Snow chains were invented in 1904 by Harry D. Weed who lived in New York where weather could be icy.
Imagine the conversation as a road.  Weather could be emotions and attitudes.  A skid chain on a person’s tongue would keep them safe from slipping off the road or into other cars and structures.  When conversation is “icy cold or slippery” a device like this keeps traction so you stay “on the conversation road.”  It is good to hold a positive perspective and look toward the higher thought, and remember that everyone has their own ideas on what they think. Honor that we can all have personal opinions, as long as they do not slander or hurt another person. Compassion is the higher thought.
As you cultivate a low, persuasive voice it is with consideration that you use appreciation for the other person. When someone is appreciated for who they are and honored with their view they are more likely to be interested in what you have to say.
With these brief words today, would you be willing to consider the higher thought when you speak?  Virtue and character are seen and heard from you personally. Be your highest and best possible you.
In your conversation today, use this tip of cultivating a softer and more compassionate voice. If you want some help in developing your communication skills, call on us at Apositiva. We can meet with you in person, online, or on the phone. Text Cat at 503-816-5104.   Call Apositiva for Communication Training Now at 503-525-0595. [@encode@ email=”catwilsoncoach@gmail.com” display=”Cat Wilson”]