”Hi Kristin, I’m so happy to hear your voice, it really helped me feel more relaxed! I’m really happy to hear your voice and I’m happy to communicate with you. You are so warm-hearted… I’m really grateful to be a host child to a family like yours…I really like you guys.”
-Ceren, our soon to be exchange student from Turkey
How charming is that message?!!
Our family hosts exchange students and we are currently preparing for the August arrival of our newest host child (think “nesting” before having a baby), a 17-year-old girl from Turkey.
When we were given the all-clear to contact our newest student, we sent an email introducing our family. This led to her sharing her contact information and me promptly sending her a voice message using WhatsApp.
The quote above is a snippet of her voice message response (I really wish you could hear the teenage excitement in her voice!)
Which highlights how important our tone is when communicating with others.
Our tone of voice is part of our nonverbal brand.
You can hear a smile through the phone.
You can hear sadness through the phone.
And anger, frustration, joy, and every other emotion.
This means that you need to consider how you are showing up vocally.
Things you need to consider:
How does your VM sound?
Have you listened to your VM message recently?
How do you sound when communicating on the phone?
And in person?
Do you show emotion?
Do people feel your energy?
It’s time for you to do a vocal audit!
Send me a message and let me know when you last listened to your VM recording! I’ll happily share a Pro Tip with you if you do!
And I’ll try to respond with as much energy and joy as Ceren did in her message to our family!
Squeal!
Your co-pilot (who has been smiling the entire time),
P.S.
Seriously, let’s practice! Send me a VM via Messenger. If we are not already connected on FB, join my group and then send me a greeting. It will be fun AND a great way to practice! Be sure to smile so I can feel the warmth:)