Raising Your Words Matters More Than Raising Your Voice

The 13th-century poet Rumi once said, “Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” I don’t typically read 13th-century poetry, but I came across this quote and found it to be a great reminder of how communication works best—not with force but with thoughtful intention.

Thoughtful and authentic words matter more than volume.

Think about it: Rain nurtures and helps things grow, while thunder roars and grabs attention, but maybe just for a moment. I think that it’s the same with speaking. The words you choose and how you deliver them matter more than shouting or overpowering your audience. The best speakers know this—they focus on making their messages clear, meaningful, and relatable.

Aristotle had a similar idea when he discussed logos, which involves constructing arguments that are logical and persuasive, resonating with people. If your audience feels your words make sense and connect with them emotionally, you’ve already won half the battle. It’s not about speaking louder; it’s about speaking smarter.

Nobody loves being yelled at, right? When someone is yelled at, they often focus more on the intensity of the delivery rather than the content. The yelling overshadows the words, leaving the listener disconnected from the intended message.

If your delivery feels harsh or overwhelming, it’s easy for your audience to shut down. But when you speak with calmness and confidence, people lean in. Research even shows that audiences remember things better when the speaker is composed and emotionally tuned in.

Remember the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel. But it is not merely force—it is thoughtful influence."

So don’t worry about sounding loud or intense for your next presentation. Focus on delivering a message that feels authentic and resonates with your audience. Well-chosen words can leave a lasting impact. Thunder just makes noise.

(Tim Herrera is the author of “Public Speaking: Simple Steps to Improve Your Skills,” which you can find on Amazon.)