"I don't know nothing about it..."

On hearing a student use the expression, "I don't know nothing about it..." a teacher took the opportunity to explain about double negatives and correct grammar to the class. The teacher explained, "In the English language a double negative makes the statement positive, so your assertion that you 'don't know nothing about it' is actually an admission that you do know something about it."

Encouraged by the interest in this revelation among certain class members, the teacher went on to demonstrate more of their knowledge of world languages: "Of course, not all languages operate according to the same grammatical rules, for example, in Russian, a double negative remains negative, although perhaps surprisingly, there is not a single language anywhere in the world in which a double positive makes a negative."

At which a voice from the back of the classroom called out ironically "Yeah, right." 

Sometimes tone can have a greater effect than physical words. Next time you find yourself doing some overthinking, or maybe someone says something that bugs you, keep the words the same but play around with using different tones. Conversational. Neutral. Formal. Friendly. Sarcastic. Serious. Flowery. Soft. Casual. Humorous. Smug. Disinterested. Scientific. Goofy.

Notice the flow on effect. Then change it to what works best for you.

Something to think about...

"Body language and tone of voice - not words - are our most important assessment tool."

- Christopher Voss

Businessman, author, academic, former FBI hostage negotiator