One staffer who recently left sent around a group e-mail that was especially striking in its tone of grace and confidence.

FORBES: Magazine Article

"The start of the match was pretty important, the first five games set the tone and boosted my confidence, " said Henman afterwards.

BBC: Andy Roddick and Tim Henman

Think, for example, how tone of voice can indicate sarcasm, concern, or confidence.

FORBES: Could You Be Sued for the Sound of Your Voice?

Not helping the tone in the morning was a sharp downturn in the Sentix investor confidence survey for August.

FORBES: Downgrade Be Damned, Greenback And U.S. Bonds Ride Higher

Importantly also for London, Wiggins' triumph provided a sporting counterpoint as memorable as Danny Boyle's opening ceremony, which had celebrated homegrown diversity, creativity and self-confidence with an intelligence, irreverence and humanity that set a distinctly British tone in contrast to the shock-and-awe spectacular of Beijing four years ago.

CNN: Wiggins' victory brings the Games back to the people