Words Have Power

I’ve written many articles on communication, largely because I’m so often surprised at how we think we’ve communicated … but haven’t. About how often we said “A,” and the other person heard “B.”

Many of us know the famous percentages of belief, especially when the message given doesn’t seem to add up, doesn’t seem quite right, when it’s what’s called a “mixed message”:

In a mixed message, words account for roughly 10% of our belief at that time, tone of voice for about 35%, and nonverbal actions for about 55%.

Wow. No wonder we’re often unsure, especially when someone’s actions don’t match their words or tone of voice.

But.

I realized recently that this applies almost exclusively to humans! I was sitting with my two dogs, Duke (in front) and Gibbs, and was using loving words and tone of voice as I talked to them. “Who’s the best puppy?” “Are you a beautiful pup?” You ARE a beautiful pup!”

Yeah, I’m besotted. Love them!

But here’s the point that first occurred to me: It honestly doesn’t matter what words I use; they don’t know much about language (except crate, sit, supper, walk — and a few…