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About this quote

What does it mean?
Huxley notes that his tone is perceived as too vehement by others.
In plain terms
People think my tone is much too strong.
What can you take from it?
Be aware that your delivery may be perceived as too intense.

Where it applies

  • debates
  • public arguments
  • written correspondence

Putting it to work

  • soften language in disagreement
  • ask for feedback on tone

Questions to consider

  • How do others perceive your voice?
  • Is intensity necessary to make a point?

Another view

Sometimes strong conviction requires a forceful tone to be heard.

More from Thomas Henry Huxley

  1. 'My good and kind agent for the propagation of the Gospel; i.e. the Devil's gospel'.

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  2. 'Huxley gave the death-blow not only to Owen's theory of the skull but also to Owen's hitherto unchallenged prestige'

    Permalink to quote #72
  3. 'Then the Bishop rose, and in a light scoffing tone, florid and he assured us there was nothing in the idea of evolution; rock-pigeons were what rock-pigeons h…

    Permalink to quote #69

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