Soft Speech

Try to be soft-spoken…

Arabs say:

الكلام اللين يغلب ألحق البين
“Speech which is LAYYIN (soft/gentle),
may overcome truths which are BAYYIN (clear).”

Whether you are a parent, or a spouse, or a public speaker, remember: Gentle speech and soft-words can open closed doors, which shouting/screaming cannot open.

Even if you are in the wrong, if you respond in a gentle manner, people will appreciate it and accommodate. The tone of your voice can turn even your enemies into friends.

The impact of your words is 10% determined by WHAT you say and 90% by HOW you say it.

Humans have a soft-spot for soft words.

When God sent Moses to Pharaoh, He said:
فَقُولَا لَهُۥ قَوْلًۭا لَّيِّنًۭا لَّعَلَّهُۥ يَتَذَكَّرُ أَوْ يَخْشَىٰ
“Speak to him in soft words. Perhaps he may take heed or fear (God).” [20:44].

And Loqman The Wise, advised his son:
وَٱغْضُضْ مِن صَوْتِكَ ۚ إِنَّ أَنكَرَ ٱلْأَصْوَتِ لَصَوْتُ ٱلْحَمِيرِ
“Lower your voice. The most repulsive of voices is the braying of donkeys.” [31:19].