21.   Lam said he had no plans to soften his tone.

22.   Later, however, he softened his tone.

23.   Monday, the running mates softened their tone.

24.   Missing so far is an authoritative peacemaker, a voice of reason to soften the tone, lower the volume and persuade both sides to exercise self-control.

25.   On Tuesday, however, the White House appeared to soften its tone by admitting intelligence-gathering problems.

26.   President Mohammad Khatami lauded the Clinton administration Wednesday for softening its tone toward his country but added that a concrete change in U.S. policy toward Iran was necessary.

27.   She uses her own voice and body as well, softening her tone or emphasizing a point while leaning forward.

28.   Shriver also hopes that the tennis community softens its tone toward Williams.

29.   Some Republicans noted that the president was gaining more public support, and that they needed to soften their tone in remarks about the budget impasse.

30.   The NASD, in editing its Web site, did not soften its tone.