Words matter. So does posture, emphasis and tone when saying them.

You've heard the expression "Making a mountain out of a molehill." This is akin to that.

Awfulizing is the word I use to describe the behavior of mountain-makers. I'm sure you know a few of them. When minor inconvenience strikes, they verbally overemphasize the issue and go on and on about the colossal calamity that has befallen them.

Perhaps you do a little of this as well. Changing your language can change your feelings. Let's say someone aggravates you. Instead of awfulizing with clenched fists, accelerated, shallow breathing, narrowed eyes, and a loud voice shouting, I HATE THAT EFFIN' EF! I AM SO PISSED! I CAN'T BELIEVE HE DID THAT TO ME AGAIN! AHHHHHHHHH! I COULD MURDERLIZE HIM! (a nod to Moe Howard)

You could choose to acknowledge the feelings with less caustic words. "Damn, he's got me upset. I really don't like him when he does these things." I need to breathe through this and avoid him for a while."

It's the same when trying to express discontent with others.

Instead of hearing your point, they are focused on your delivery.

I could write several thousand words about the lack of civility in our public discourse, but instead, I'll remember Gandhi and be the change I want to see in the world. I hope you'll join me.

Own your sales gene..