What do you hear when you listen to good music? You hear tunes, notes high and low, crescendos, decrescendos, capellas, adagios, allegros – there’s a whole book of terminology. What you hear that matters are sounds of inspiration, enchantment, command, love, peace, battle, courage, surrender, enticement, persuasion and all the drives and feelings humankind have been given or have developed for ourselves. “If music be the food of love, play on…” said Shakespeare in an attempt to overwhelm love.
We are all musical, some more than others. We each have a favourite tune and a special style of music that ‘turns us on’. Music can make us laugh, cry, fume, relax. In fact it can do all the things that words can do. Music casts its spells differently from talking – but why separate the two? Monasteries still find inspiration from Plain Chant, supplication in an expressive and rhythmic way to talk to God. Do we underestimate the power of melodic talking?
In our day to day lives we talk a lot. It is, for many, the main means of communication. For our words to be effective we need to select them carefully and deliver them convincingly. Given a pleasant and well maintained voice we can make those words communicate more than the definitions of them suggest. If you want proof of that, listen to Martin Luther King making his “I have a dream” speech. Or find Richard Burton’s short talk at Frank Sinatra’s retirement.
These are supreme examples of melodic talking. I once spent a whole night in a bar with Richard Burton. The stories, told in his lilting Welsh accent, were so musical that I still hear them if I lie awake during the night. They are like beautiful birdcalls at dusk. What is more, they illustrate the stories even though there are no pictures to do so. In addition to entertainment, they have a functional role. However well chosen the words, the job they have to do is greatly enhanced by the way they are delivered.
Think of the tone you adopt when proposing marriage. It won’t be identical for everyone. It will be a blend of the asker’s plea and the feelings of the person being asked. It will take account of the situation both physical and emotional. Above all it will aim to express love. Think of the words you will say. Now make the proposal slightly tuneful. Don’t sing it unless you have an outstanding voice. Just make it melodious. I think you will find it irresistible.
Your tone when asking your boss for a raise will be more functional. After all, you’re just asking for money. Don’t you believe it. You are asking for reassurance, confirmation, progress. And you are making commitments, promises, predictions. Let the clarity of your words be livened by the tone of your request. Let your demands be firm, but firm like the handling of a baby. May your voice have the melody of rejoicing, agreement, consensus.
We’ve all heard Julie Andrews sing ‘The hills are alive to The Sound of Music’.
Can we resolve to make the world alive to the Sound of Words?
Good morning
John Bittleston
Do you have a favourite talk that is melodic? If so, please tell us at [email protected].
11 December 2024
