Yelling is Yelling is Yelling

Have you ever met one of those people who yells when they speak emphatically? You have now. I never considered my emphatic speaking as yelling because I was just showcasing how strongly I felt. 

Perhaps we need names for degrees of yelling by which we can measure a person’s response. Because emphatic yelling is certainly not as harmful as angry, insulting yelling. But a raised voice at some point is, by definition, yelling. 

If someone cringes or leaves when you get emotional, it’s time to consider that you are, to them, yelling. And that’s traumatic for people who carry hurts related to yelling from their childhood. 

Take a moment today and choose to focus on HOW you say what you say and ask yourself, “Could I emphasize words with more precision or enunciation rather than yelling?” 

One simple adjustment could completely change the outcome.