“Speak softly, and carry a big stick”
On September 2, 1901, Teddy Roosevelt used the phrase “speak softly, and carry a big stick” to describe his foreign policy. Big Stick diplomacy defined his presidency.
https://www.britannica.com/event/Big-Stick-policy
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/thisday/sep2/big-stick-diplomacy/
The widespread use of ‘speak softly and carry a big stick’ began with American president Theodore Roosevelt. In a letter to Henry L. Sprague, on January 26th 1900, he wrote:
“Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”
The stick does not have to be big to aid the journey. The stick can realise a confidence. Learn how to use your stick when “speaking softly” fails the mark.
The Order Of Walkers 