Online Tone and Voice

“We often refuse to accept an idea merely because the tone of voice in which it has been expressed is unsympathetic to us.”—Friedrich Nietzsche
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Have you ever wondered how you come across online when you are communicating - whether it is on Facebook, in a blog, in a chatroom, or simply in an email?

As I currently read posts or emails, always with the intent of determining a tone or voice, it raises my awareness to a number of things:

1. Perceived authority (your boss, your colleague, your assistant, your friend....);
2. Urgency (is the information just that or does it require a follow-up?);
3. Formality (is it serious or frivolous, casual or formal, sweet or stuffy?).

Also, as I maneuver my way through teaching online courses, I, too, am becoming more aware of my choice of words. Even just one word can change the tone of an entire writing, and in my opinion, it all comes down to "attitude".        
 Image retrieved 1-22-2012 from http://eseek3r.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Positive-Attitude.jpg

I am making a personal goal to weigh my words carefully and to take the time to read what I write before posting. Is anyone out there going to join me in this effort? Let's all focus on the voice we really want to be heard, and as you read through my blog posts, please call me on the carpet if my tone becomes too edgy for those topics in which I am hyper-passionate!

Thanks!
Dr. D.