Variety In Speech

Some people speak in monotone. They have developed the habit of eliminating all the variety from the way they talk. We want to be careful not to fall into this ditch. It is difficult to Listen to someone speak in monotone. Staying interested is very challenging. Partially because it is uncomfortable to listen to, but also because it makes us feel the speaker is not interested in their subject.

If we are the person speaking in monotone, this can be the message we are delivering – that we are uncomfortable and uninterested. This can become as much a roadblock in our communication as speaking too loud or too fast.

The following is borrowed from the website skillsyouneed.com.

To make speech effective and interesting, certain techniques can be applied.  However, it is important not to sound false or as if you are giving a performance.  Whilst words convey meaning, how they are said reflects feelings and emotions.  Vocal variety can be achieved by variations in:

Pace:  This is the speed at which you talk.  If speech is too fast then the listeners will not have time to assimilate what is being said.  Nevertheless, it is a good idea to vary the pace – quickening up at times and then slowing down – this will help to maintain interest.

Volume:  By raising or lowering volume occasionally, you can create emphasis.  If you drop your voice to almost a whisper (as long as it is projected) for a sentence or two, it will make your audience suddenly alert, be careful not to overuse this technique.

Pitch – Inflection – Emphasis:  When speaking in public, try to convey the information with as much vocal energy and enthusiasm as possible.  This does not mean your voice has to swoop and dive all over the place in an uncontrolled manner.  Try to make the talk interesting and remember that when you are nervous or even excited, vocal chords tense and shorten causing the voice to get higher.  Emphasize certain words and phrases within the talk to convey their importance and help to add variety.

Pause:  Pauses are powerful.  They can be used for effect to highlight the preceding statement or to gain attention before an important message.  Pauses mean silence for a few seconds.  Listeners interpret meaning during pauses so have the courage to stay silent for up to five seconds – dramatic pauses like this convey authority and confidence.

Read more at: https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/effective-speaking.html

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