We have multiple modalities, all readily observable in our speech patterns. If I say things like “you have a bright future ahead of you” or “that gal has a very dark nature about her” I am using a visual modality, the first example (“bright”) gives an empowering focus and feeling, while the second (“dark”) leaves a coldness.
Examples of the audio modality would be “hey, that sounds like an awesome idea” or “his actions scream his evil intentions”. “Sounds” and “screams” are the clue words.
And for feel or kinesthetics how about “the way that guy is always touching girls sickens me”. “I feel really good about this decision.” The clues about focus and feeling are obvious.
Our choice of words can determine how we makes ourselves and others feel.
A FREE IMAGE from the Smithsonian collection: The Cry (Head of a Djem statuette, Nigeria)
Iba N’Diaye
