What will they remember?

Once I heard someone say, “They won’t remember what you said–they’ll remember how you made them feel.”

The statement is exaggerated–on purpose–to make a point. Obviously, we remember what people say all the time. So what is the point?

Simply, that our words are always couched in a rich context of emotional communication that carries a ton of weight. Our affect–our way of being toward the other person is as critical as our words.

So let’s lean in. Let’s smile more. Let’s exude warmth. Let’s imply less hurry and more presence. Less task and more tenderness. I think we’ll find better retention of our message if it’s communicated in kindness.