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Writer's pictureJohn Werner

The Sound Herd and Other Neologisms


Neologism: a new word, usage, or expression (Merriam-Webster.com)

New words help us name and tame a hazard or a danger, like malaria. They also help us share the joy and pleasure of a newborn baby, and every sense in-between. Here are a few new words that are helpful for our collective emotional intelligence. This is the beginning of TID – The Intonation Dictionary.

Sound Herd: Those who hear a conversation, but are not the intended audience. She, he, and or they are important to know because the Sound Herd play important roles in our lives. They influence and sometimes decide who we work for.

Let’s say there is a position open in customer service and my manager is reviewing each member of our team for that position. She considers me, but recalls hearing me talk loudly of a subject that should have been private; therefore, John would not be good for this position. My manager has made a career decision for me for a position that I may have needed or wanted. I will learn that I was not chosen for this position once it is filled. If this person has the same or even less qualifications than I have, my Sound Messages have cost me a career opportunity.

In the same way, the Sound Herd can determine who we work with and who works for us. Also in the same way, they can also determine who our friends are, who we date, and who we marry.

Speed: (also word-speed): the rate of spoken words in words per minute (wpm). It ranges from zero to 300 or 330 wpm for humans, and up to 500 wpm for computer generated speech.

Volume: how loud or silent we speak. This ranges from silent to EXASPERATINGLY loud.

Word-Speed: (also speed): the number of spoken words per a minute of time (wpm). It ranges from zero to 300 or 330 wpm for humans and up to 500 wpm for computer generated speech.

John Werner has degrees in Engineering, Music and Organization Development. He practices Sound Messages™ daily.

Have you asked someone to change the volume, tone, or speed of their words? What was the immediate result? Did you notice any change or improvement later? I learn from you, too; please share your thoughts in the comments section below.


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