Research suggests that up to 38% of emotional meaning comes from how something is said, not what is said. The same words — "That's great" — can express genuine excitement, sarcasm, or disappointment depending on tone.

Key vocal cues to listen for: - Pitch: Higher pitch often signals excitement or anxiety; lower pitch can indicate seriousness or sadness - Speed: Fast speech may indicate excitement or nervousness; slow speech can mean sadness or careful thought - Volume: Louder speech often means excitement or anger; quieter speech can signal sadness, intimacy, or uncertainty - Rhythm: Choppy, staccato speech may indicate frustration; smooth, flowing speech suggests comfort