Twist and shout! How about 'Float like a butterfly, DANCE like a bee!'
Someone asked me recently for a favorite quote, so I said 'Speak softly and carry a big stick,' from Teddy Roosevelt. Later I realized, it's "WALK softly ..." (isn't it?)
Can't win. LOL!
I think walk softly is correct...
Speaking softly isn't a bad concept, either, though.
To be honest, I like your version better than Roosevelt's. It is always wiser to speak softly and use the big stick when needed.