# Discovering the Power of Tone Through Personal Growth
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Chapter 1: Setting Boundaries
I recognized significant growth in my life when I finally established a long-overdue boundary with my mother. Feeling a sense of pride, I mustered the courage to voice my feelings. I said to her, “You cannot just hang up on me because I express a different opinion. I deserve respect, and I believe an apology is in order.”
This assertiveness led to about five weeks of silence from her without any acknowledgment of my feelings. While I wasn’t surprised, it was clear that my approach caught Grammarly off guard.
Despite the potential fallout, I didn’t regret standing up for myself. I felt empowered! I deserved respect! I am likable!
Later that week, I opened my weekly report from Grammarly and was excited to see I’d earned another vocabulary badge. However, as I continued to review my analytics, something unusual caught my eye—my “detected tone.”
Grammarly’s tone detection utilizes a mix of rules and machine learning to capture the underlying signals in written content that shape its overall tone. By examining my word choices, phrasing, punctuation, and even capitalization, Grammarly could assess how my message might resonate with readers.
To my surprise, Grammarly identified my tone as “confident” and “assertive,” a stark departure from my typical “friendly” and “informal” style. Wow, is it that noticeable? It seemed so. My emails and notes reflected this braver version of myself, and Grammarly picked up on it, even though I wasn’t consciously trying to project that confidence.
Positive transformations in one aspect of your life often spill over into others, frequently without you even realizing it. Conversely, negative behaviors do not exist in isolation either; shortcuts taken in one area often reflect in others.
Section 1.1: The Essence of Tone
The unseen energy that gives life to the words we choose is known as tone. This energy can convey sass, sarcasm, confidence, or boldness. I’ve come to understand that my tone is closely linked to my self-esteem and self-worth.
Previously, my tone was generally “casual” and “upbeat,” which is perfectly fine. However, realizing how my tone was perceived made me reflect on the type of energy I was projecting into the world. I valued being kind in both my words and demeanor.
Yet, beneath that kindness lay a fear of coming across as too aggressive or strong, motivated by a desire not to offend. This fear stemmed from past rejections, all operating beneath my conscious awareness.
Eventually, there comes a time when repeated rejections lose their sting, forcing you to stand up for yourself and maintain your dignity. That realization’s energy is palpable and resonates with everyone around you.
Chapter 2: The Impact of Tone on Communication
The video title is "Words That Work | Communicate Clearly With Grammarly," which explores how effective communication can enhance your message through clarity and tone. This aligns with the notion that the energy behind our words can significantly influence how we are received by others.