Have you heard the famous quote, '90% of the friction of life is caused by the wrong tone of voice!' Yes, the psychological effects of being yelled at in a relationship are numerous. Couples yelling at each other can lead to broken communication, and other stress related symptoms. In fact, being soft-spoken and knowing when to stop is a superpower.

There are studies from reputed centres that people who have angry outbursts or shouting appear to be at increased risk of heart attack to stroke, especially within the first two hours of an outburst. A link has been also found between negative childhood experiences, including verbal and other kinds of abuse, and the later development of painful chronic conditions.

Anger and screaming are often talked about like a disease and may have some basis in scientific fact. In fact, what happens to your body when you scream? Or why could it have negative effects on the people who hear? A scream goes straight from the ear to the amygdala, the part of the brain that processes fear and prepares the body's fight-or-flight response.

Researchers have been successfully showing that the rough sounds of human screams activate fear responses deep in the minds of people who listen to them.  Studies also found that shouting can lead not only to depression (especially to children) to drug addiction but has the ability to cause deeper psychological issues that carry into adulthood, which we may not even realise.

Tone is more than just the words we choose. It is the way in which we communicate our personality. Interestingly, it has been seen that men's lower voices are associated with higher levels of testosterone.

In fact, the power of low voice may overcome diversities, build trust and respect, and create conditions for sharing creative ideas and solving problems. In today's troubled world, a soft voice makes people feel relaxed and open. It conveys care, respect and gratitude.

E-mail: rubaiulmurshed@shomman.org