command voice

[SSN Vet]

I think a big part of using "the voice" is timing.

Insulting the BG would certainly be unwise and potentially lead to escalation.

 

[ATLDave]

I recently heard a podcast with Jocko Willink (former Seal Team leader, now a leadership consultant and speaker/podcaster and author) who said that he saw a connection between loss of vocal control and bad police shootings, bad/civilian-hurting military incidents*, and other situations that spiral out of control. Command voice good, but letting it cross the line into hysterical screaming tends to amp up the emotion level for everyone (including, most of all, the person doing the screaming. A loud, clear voice is good... so long as it is under control.

*The remarks came in the context of a discussion of the Mai Lai massacre in Vietnam.

 

[Kleanbore]

Insulting the BG would certainly be unwise and potentially lead to escalation.

Yes, and depending upon what had led up to the confrontation, it could provided a basis for an argument regarding mens rea.

 

[JTHunter]

This may surprise some of you but working in student theater in high school is a good way to develop not only the ability to "project" your voice (we didn't have microphones for most productions) as well as developing the lung capacity and power to actually do the "projecting". Some people have accused me of "shouting" at them to which I reply that I have merely "raised my voice". When I actually "shout", they clap their hands over their ears.

 

[jmorris]

Any thoughts or first hand experiences out there?

I always thought I didn’t have it in me. Have kids and you’ll find out that every parent has the ability to muster up a good version of “STOP!”

 

[ATLDave]

This may surprise some of you but working in student theater in high school is a good way to develop not only the ability to "project" your voice (we didn't have microphones for most productions) as well as developing the lung capacity and power to actually do the "projecting". Some people have accused me of "shouting" at them to which I reply that I have merely "raised my voice". When I actually "shout", they clap their hands over their ears.

I sometimes have to explain/apologize that I grew up under the landing pattern of a combined Air Force, Air National Guard, Naval Air Station, and Lockheed manufacturing plant runway. On days when they were bringing in the C-5's for refitting or the naval reserve pilots were doing touch-and-go's, your choice as a kid was to either figure out how to get loud without screaming yourself hoarse or play with your friends using only hand signals.

Comes in handy when it's time to RO a match where everyone is double-plugged, or when the microphone/PA goes out at a speaking event. OTOH, if I answer the phone in my office, one of my co-workers will usually come slam my door.

 

[1911 guy]

A lot of good information. If I can summarize: Firm is more important than loud. Fewer words is better. Clear instruction. Your commands should be good evidence in your favor when repeated by a witness in court.