The 3 Keys To An Interesting
And Effective Voice
By Marlena Reigh
The way we use the voice has the power to captivate or repel, communicate or
bore, motivate or discourage.
Investing time in developing a compelling and interesting voice will help
keep your listeners totally engaged in your presentation and keep you energized
from beginning to end.
The most interesting and dynamic speakers use their voice as a musical
instrument. As in a piece of music, the use of volume, speed, and range
variation creates mood and feeling. A dynamic voice can leave a lasting
impression and help listeners to take action.
1. Volume Dynamics
Volume Dynamics, which span from very soft to very loud, can emphasize and bring attention to the meaning and feeling of a word, sentence, or paragraph. Any departure from the average volume level will draw attention.
Take into account:
Better speakers change volume levels more frequently than average speakers do.
Tips on expanding your volume range:
Do the following volume control exercises: (Soft Medium Loud)
Ha Ha Ha Ba Ba Ba Fa Fa Fa La La La Ra Ra Ra Ka Ka Ka
2. Speed variance
Varying your speed will increase your listener's attention spans. People react physically to rate dynamics. When you want to stimulate people or increase their attention span, simply pick up your pace. Conversely, speaking slowly, drawing out vowels, and adding pauses can have a calming and soothing effect.
How fast should I talk?
There is no ideal speed, however, audiences are convinced that people who speak faster are brighter. A faster rate also projects enthusiasm and energy.
The Powerful Pause!
Pauses are punctuation marks in speech and can be very powerful. Used effectively, they help stress points and build interest.
Take into account:
You want to vary the rate, but spend more time talking quickly than slowly.
Tips on expanding your speed range:
Good News! Speed can be the easiest vocal characteristic to vary and refine. Experiment with different speeds within a paragraph or sentence. Use variety for meaning. Elongate key words.
3. Range
Range adds color and the human quality to the voice and to your presentation. The voice that moves up and down on the musical scale continuously in an infinite variety of patterns conveys emotion and gives words meaning.
The voice is a musical instrument-so play it!
- Pitch level: How high or low the note sounds.
- Range: A series of pitches on a musical scale from the highest to the lowest tone.
Intonation:
This is the way you change the pitch level of certain words for meaning. Use at least 8 to 10 tones when speaking.
Take into account:
How you use Volume, Rate, and Range-any one of these or a combination of these-may convey more about your feelings toward the subject in the first few moments than all the words combined.
Tips on discovering and developing your range:
Record your voice frequently and evaluate. Become objective about your voice. What are your voice strengths? Your voice weaknesses? Notice the energy level, pitch variation, dynamics in rate and volume, where and how you use pauses.
Gaining an objective opinion and professional advice on your voice can be priceless. Contact Radiant Communications for information on comprehensive, personal voice coaching sessions.
All articles are copyrighted by Marlena Reigh and Radiant Communications ©2002-2005 and may not be reproduced or copied without permission.
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