In our relationships, whether it be with a spouse, a co-worker, someone we coach or mentor, have you ever caught yourself saying something in such a way that you can just tell that the other party is not taking what you’ve said the way you intended? Have you ever stopped to think it may be because of the way you are saying it? I know I have, and that is something that I consciously try to think about when I am trying to make a point to someone at a time in which I may be frustrated or upset for some reason. This is something we should all think about when we are interacting with others. Am I saying this in such a way that they will listen and absorb what I am saying, or has my tone or demeanor put them on defense or shutdown mode.