We’ve all heard it: “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.”
In last week’s Thought for the Week, we explored why trust enables transformation. If you missed it, you can catch up here
Just as seeds have the potential to grow into something much bigger than they first appear, what we say and how we say it can carry hidden power. In contrast, a single phrase – encouraging or careless – can take root in someone’s heart and shape the way they grow. [Image by Abubaker Ahsan].
Additionally, just as a gardener chooses whether to plant flowers, fruit, or thorns, we choose daily what kind of seeds we scatter into the lives of others, and even into our own minds. Whether or not we’ve ever planted a garden, we all know what it feels like when something spoken brings life – or when it wounds.
An Invitation to Pause…
This week, let’s pause and reflect: what kind of seeds are we sowing through the way we speak?
We often hear that words matter in face-to-face conversations, and they do. Yet research shows that words themselves account for just 7% of how our message lands. The rest?
It’s all about the music of our voice and the story that our body is telling.
So, while words may be the seeds, tone is the sunlight, and body language the soil in which they grow. Together, they determine whether those seeds flourish or wither.
An encouraging phrase, spoken with warmth, plants resilience.
The same phrase, spoken flatly or with crossed arms, may plant doubt instead.
Additionally, a powerful idea, spoken with the wrong tone or closed-off posture, rarely takes root. While even a simple phrase – delivered warmly, with open body language – can grow into trust, courage, and collaboration.
This week, notice not just what you’re saying, also:
- Is your tone lifting or limiting?
- Does your body language invite or shut down?
- Are your words landing in soil ready for growth?
We know that transformation begins with trust. Regeneration happens when every part of us – words, tone, and presence – works together to plant seeds of possibility.
You will know that I use a sunflower as a symbol for growth and transformation – it’s in my logo and on my web site. Like a sunflower turning toward the light, our communication can help others lift, thrive, and grow tall when it carries warmth and encouragement.
“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.”
– Maya Angelou –
Have a great week full of new bright and meaningful connections!
With warmest wishes,
Korinne Le Page
Thrive Coaching & Training – Empowering You to Thrive!
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P.S. Feel free to share your experiences and insights!
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