INTRODUCTION
The word “resonate” is a verb that is used to refer to the concept of sound or vibration. The Cambridge English online dictionary highlights that the word “resonate” means producing, increasing, or filling with sounds by vibrating or shaking objects near. Also, the Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines the word “resonate” as exhibiting resonance (a vibration in a mechanical or electrical system). Using a simpler term, we can say that something resonates when it either produces or is filled with a deep and echoing sound. The word “resonate,” as we can see from the definitions, primarily has to do with sound or vibration; hence, the phrase “resonate with me” is not a literal statement but a metaphoric expression.
THE PHRASE “RESONATED WITH ME”
The statement “resonated with me” is a metaphorical phrase used when something triggers you on an emotional level. According to research, the basic metaphor is likened to the “sympathetic string” on a musical instrument, which vibrates when another string is plucked or thrummed. It is an affirmation that you relate to a statement or event. When something “resonates with you,” it hits you deeply, so hard that you might even be inspired to take action. To correctly blend this expression into a professional scenario, one must be sure that the subject holds deep meaning and matches their experiences, current perceptions, or desires.
USING THE PHRASE IN TERMS OF EXPERIENCE, CURRENT PERCEPTION, AND DESIRES, IN A PROFESSIONAL SETTING
As earlier stated, something or someone can resonate with you based on your experience, current perceptions, or desires. We will be looking closely at how to use the phrase professionally from the three angles. Each approach will have three examples, alongside their explanations. It is important to bear in mind that the word “resonated” is a past tense, whose present form is “resonate,” and third-person singular simple present indicative form is “resonates.” Thus, the examples will take any of the three forms.
- USING “RESONATED WITH ME” IN TERMS OF EXPERIENCE: Resonate with me is a term that can be used to affirm that you have passed through the said situation before. Here are some sentences that portray the term in the light of experiences.
- Example One: “I donated to the foundation because its cause resonated with me; it made me remember my childhood days in the slums”
The sentence illustrates the usage of the term “resonate with me” concerning childhood experience. The speaker donated to a certain foundation simply because he could relate on an emotional level with the organization’s needs. By observing this statement, you can deduce that the speaker had a rough experience growing up in the slums. Without a doubt, this foundation’s cause is to support children in the slums. Hence the donor was deeply moved to donate.
- Example Two: “Despite my several years of service, working in the banking industry never resonated with me, as much as being a creative designer”
This sentence involves a comparison between two variables. The speaker tries to compare two experiences – as a bank cashier and as a creative designer. From experience, the speaker can relate more passionately with the job of a creative designer than a bank cashier.
- Example Three: “Her story deeply resonated with me, thus I shortlisted her for the business funding”
In this assertion, the speaker gives his reasons for shortlisting a business grant recipient. According to the speaker, the story of that particular participant resonated with him deeply, which means that he could totally understand it. We can assume that the speaker who has a huge influence on the funding process shares a similar story with his chosen aspirant. Her story most likely reminded him of his past struggles before he rose to stardom, so he feels inclined to be of assistance.
- USING “RESONATE WITH ME” IN TERMS OF CURRENT PERCEPTION: This phrase can also be used for a subject that a person can relate to at a particular period.
- Example One: “The mission statement of your company resonates with me, and that is why I am highly interested in being a part of your team.”
This statement implies that the speaker can connect with the mission statement of the said company on a deep level, so much as that he/she wants to be a part of the organization. Examining this discourse, it is quite clear that the speaker is most probably an applicant seeking placement in an organization.
- Example Two: “I always pursue the things that resonate with me, and leave the rest behind”
In this example, the narrator attempts to describe her personality. She explains that she decides on what is important based on how deeply she can connect with something. She sees herself as someone who only focuses on the things that resonate with her. From the statement, it can be pictured that the speaker is a job seeker being interviewed or trying to motivate other people.
- Example Three: “What the boss said at the meeting yesterday resonated with me; it made me have a rethink about my previous decision to quit the job.”
This example illustrates how the perception of others can resonate with you and eventually change your perception. Here, the speaker had the thoughts of quitting his job. However, the words of his boss hit him hard, to the extent that he had a rethink of his former decision. This sentence proves that it is possible to resonate with completely new ideas.
- USING “RESONATE WITH ME” IN TERMS OF DESIRES: It is also possible to deeply connect to an event that has not yet occurred. In fact, the emotional connection can serve as a motivating factor to getting desired results.
- Example One: “My desire to be a renowned activist resonates with me from the life account of Martin Luther King Jnr.”
This sentence states the future ambition of the speaker. The speaker is not yet an activist but has the desire to be one. The sentence also explains that the speaker’s desire to be an activist is birthed from the life story of Martin Luther King. The speaker might have read the works of other activists; however, it was Martin’s story that resonates with him/her the most.
- Example Two: “I am studying to become a psychologist because the profession resonates with me”
Everyone at one point in their life has had that one profession they so much. Many times, when asked the reason for these choices, the responses are “I don’t know,” “I just like that career path,” etc. According to the speaker in this example, psychology resonates with the speaker. Hence she desires and is studying to be a psychologist. This speaker can be said to be a high school or college student.
- Example Three: “Although I am not captivated by your grades, I hope your practical skills resonate with me”
In this example, the speaker compares two variables, grades and practical ability. While one of the variables does not resonate, the speaker is hoping that the second one does. From this statement, it is quite easy to tell that the speaker is a potential employer interviewing an applicant. We can also assume that the interview is in two phases, and the aspirant is likely to get the job if his skills resonate with the interviewer.
THE NEGATIVE SIDE OF THE PHRASE “RESONATE WITH ME”
The metaphoric expression “resonate with me” can be seen as a double-edged sword. It is not only used when the emotions are positive. It can also be used from a negative perspective. When people encounter something they do not align with or desperately try to avoid, a negative resonance can occur. In this situation, the term “resonate with me” is used because there is an amplification of the pain you are trying to avoid or something that does not feel right with you, and you can feel it on a very deep level. As much as the tool “resonates with me” indicates that you understand something that aligns with our validates your values and desires, it might also spark up emotions for something you disagree with. Here are a few examples
- Example One: “The working environment of this organization doesn’t resonate with me”
In this example, the speaker uses the phrase to express displeasure in a physical environment. This scenario portrays that the speaker could either be a new employee or an employer.
- Example Two: “I am sorry, I’ll have to decline your proposal because the execution strategy does not resonate with me”
The phrase “resonate with you” is used to convey rejection. Here, the speaker turns down a proposal because he cannot relate to the proposed strategy. This sentence does not necessarily mean that the strategy in question is a terrible one. It just does not hit the speaker hard enough for him to accept it.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Even though, the original meaning of the word “resonate” does not imply emotions, it has become one of the firmest words, which can be used to explain how we feel, even in our workplace and other professional gatherings.
Also read Thank You For Your Patience – Meaning, How to Use with Examples
