Sarcasm is unbelievable. You know it when you hear it. Sometimes it’s funny, sometimes it’s annoying. Most people use it without thinking about it. So let’s explore sarcasm, and its use in communication.
Sarcasm is caused by a misalignment of word and tone. It’s learned early. You tell a child to clean her room, and she says, “OK.” But something in her tone tells you she has no intention of following through. And you believe her tone instead of her word. And it doesn’t stop in childhood. You ask your spouse if he’s mad about something. He says, “No!” but he sounds angry, plus his brow is furrowed and his arms are folded in front of him. Is this he mad? You know it.
Studies show that 38% of our communication is based on tone, which carries more than five times the impact of our words! And 55% of communication is body language. No wonder we are so in tuned to sarcasm – you can hear it and see it. Even a small difference is perceptible if you’re aware of it. Watch for subtle examples:
- A gas station attendant tells you to have a nice day. What does his tone say?
- A clerk asks if she can help you find something, do you believe she wants to?
- When you accept the dinner invitation from your dreaded aunt, how’s your intonation?
- An employee promises confidentiality with a little snicker, what does that mean?
Listen for variances of tone and words in other people when you converse with them. And you can increase your own credibility. The more you align your tone with your words, the more believable you’ll be.
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