My guest this month is voice specialist and coach, Anne Leatherland. In this piece she explores the way that people express kindness through their voice and shares tips for listening out for that kindness in your workplace.
In the modern workplace, where deadlines, tasks, and performance metrics often take centre stage, kindness is a quality that quietly shines through. Even in the rush, a kind word, a gentle tone, or a compassionate gesture can have a transformative impact.
Kindness, especially as expressed through our voices, has the power to build a more positive, supportive, and productive environment. When we take a moment to recognise and appreciate the kindness already present in our interactions, it can enhance how we connect with one another, even in the most challenging situations.
The Subtle Power of Kind Voices
One of the most striking aspects of kindness is how it can be conveyed without words. While we often associate kindness with overt acts of generosity or support, it also exists in subtler, quieter forms – most notably in the tone of voice. Think about how we can detect warmth, sincerity, and empathy in someone’s voice, even if the words themselves are neutral or formal. These vocal cues are powerful because they reflect the speaker’s emotional state and their intentions toward us.
From a young age, we learn to recognise kind tones. Infants, for example, can distinguish between soothing, gentle voices and harsh or impatient ones long before they understand the meaning of the words being spoken. A kind voice provides comfort, security, and reassurance. Over time, these early experiences shape our understanding of interpersonal dynamics, teaching us to associate certain vocal qualities with safety and affection.
In the workplace, however, we often become so focused on content – what is being said – that we lose awareness of how it is being said. The rush of tasks, meetings, and deadlines makes us less attuned to the tone and emotion behind the words. But by shifting our focus and learning to listen more carefully to the tone of voice, we can begin to notice the kindness that is already present, even in conversations that might otherwise feel tense or transactional.
How Kindness Affects Us
The impact of kindness in the workplace is profound, even when we are not consciously aware of it. Hearing kindness in someone’s voice can instantly reduce stress, create a sense of connection, and create a more collaborative atmosphere. It signals that the other person sees us not just as a colleague or subordinate, but as a human being with emotions and needs. In turn, this helps to build trust and respect, laying the foundation for stronger, more supportive relationships.
Kindness also has a ripple effect. When we are treated with kindness, we are more likely to respond in kind, keeping going a positive cycle of interaction. A colleague who speaks to us gently, even when offering feedback or addressing a difficult issue, opens the door for us to engage more openly and honestly. In contrast, a harsh or dismissive tone can shut down communication, creating a defensive or adversarial dynamic.
The power of kindness becomes even more important in challenging conversations. Difficult discussions, whether about performance, conflict, or tough decisions are often fraught with tension. It is in these moments that kindness, conveyed through a calm and understanding tone, can make all the difference. A kind voice can de-escalate a potentially heated exchange, helping both parties feel heard and respected. It creates a space where disagreements can be addressed without damaging relationships, fostering a more productive and harmonious workplace.
Why We Overlook Kindness at Work
If kindness is so powerful, why do we often miss it at work? The simple answer is that we are busy. The demands of the workplace often leave us with little time or mental energy to pay attention to subtleties like tone of voice. We focus on efficiency, problem-solving, and meeting objectives, which can lead us to overlook the emotional nuances of our interactions.
Additionally, workplace cultures often prioritise professionalism and detachment, which can inadvertently cut down expressions of kindness. In an effort to be “professional,” we may unconsciously adopt a more neutral or even brusque tone, distancing ourselves from the warmth and empathy that are natural parts of human communication.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. We can learn to reawaken our awareness of kindness, even in the busiest of environments. The key lies in becoming more mindful and intentional in our listening.
How to Listen for Kindness
Listening for kindness requires us to slow down and pay closer attention, not just to what is being said, but to how it is being said. Here are a few practical ways to cultivate this awareness:
- Be present: In conversations, try to focus fully on the other person, rather than thinking about your next task or how you will respond. By being fully present, you are more likely to pick up on the subtleties of their tone and emotion and respond in kind.
- Pay attention to vocal cues: Notice the pitch, pace, and volume of the other person’s voice. A slower, softer tone often conveys kindness; it can also be a firm but calm tone, depending on the circumstances.
- Look for kindness in difficult moments: Even in challenging conversations, people often soften their tone to express empathy or understanding. When you recognise these moments, acknowledge them, and respond with kindness in return.
- Listen for kindness in your own voice: Consider how your own tone might affect others. Notice when you are speaking in a way that conveys warmth, patience, and understanding and aim to do more of this. Small adjustments in your tone can have a big impact on how others perceive and respond to you.
Conclusion
Kindness is a quiet, often invisible force in the workplace, but it has the power to transform how we relate to one another. By tuning in to the tone of voice, both in others and ourselves, we can create more compassionate, supportive, and effective work environments. Even in the midst of busy, high-pressure situations, kindness can be found and amplified if we take the time to listen for it.
About Anne Leatherland
Anne is committed to getting your voice to work for you, in your business. Drawing from her extensive 27-year background as a vocal trainer and coach, she has developed a specialised approach tailored specifically for women in business. Find out more about Anne and her work by visiting her website or emailing her via anne@anneleatherland.co.uk Anne also hosts the Be Truly Heard podcast, all about the power of our voices.