Vocal variety is probably one of the most important aspects
of speaking. It creates emphasis on words using rate, pitch, and volume of
voice to create differences between words. This is most likely the one area I'd
love to improve upon because I believe without this, a speaker would have no
character. The audience doesn't what to sit through an informative, persuasive,
demonstrative, or any other speech with someone who's monotone. As a speaker, it’s
important to connect with your audience not just through eye contact but also
through vocal performance. If you're talking about why abortion should be a
woman’s choice, you have to actually sound like you are for that movement in
rights. Simply stating the facts and reasons is one piece of speaking. You most
also act out those words using your voice. Dramaturgy is one way to describe it.
Life is one big play and we are all actors in it; thus, it is important to
bring those aspects with you onstage.
I liked your last statement that "Life is one big play and we are all actors in it." I think that a big part of becoming a successful public speaker is becoming comfortable speaking in front of people. Many people are very animated when speaking to their friends, family, etc. when in a comfortable environment. If they could achieve a similar level of comfort speaking in front of strangers their animation would naturally pick up in public speaking instances. When giving a speech you want to keep the audience's interest and the rate, pitch, and volume of your voice become incredibly valuable tools in doing that. The delivery of your speech is at least as valuable as the content of your speech. You can do great research and right a wonderful speech, but if you stand in front of the audience and deliver it in monotone with no emotional emphasis it is going to have little impact.
ReplyDeleteI think that vocal variety is a very important aspect of public speaking. It can be very difficult to have that skill to be able to properly vary your rate, pitch, and volume in a way that complement and adds value to your speech. Something that I tend to do is memorize my speech too much, so it can be a little difficult to not sound monotone instead of extemporaneous and conversational. It is something that I will have to work on for our upcoming speech. Sounding passionate as you speak is something that can be accomplished through a good use of vocal variety. It can be easy to sound interesting and enthusiastic when just talking to a friend or family member.
ReplyDeleteIn public speaking, how you say something can be more important than what you say. If you want to be an exciting speaker, learn to use vocal variety to add vitality to your delivery. Perhaps the single best thing you can do to improve your delivery is to vary the pace, pitch, volume, and demeanor of your voice to fit the words you are speaking. Your vocal variety should combine with your words and body language to enhance your entire delivery.
ReplyDeleteWhen making a presentation, don't clam up with fear - speak in a friendly and familiar manner, much like you would to your best friend. Speak clearly and concisely, placing emphasis when you want to make a point.
A good way to improve your vocal variety is to practice reading passages out loud, conveying different emotions as you do. Many dramatic pieces lend themselves well for this or you can also try acting out your own scenes. You said that we are all actors in the life))) You may also try imitating the voices of people around you. Whatever you do, try the same words over and over, varying the pitch, pace, volume, and demeanor until you find out what you like.
Finally, you may want to practice your speech in front of a friend or speak into a tape recorder to see if you should make any changes. The voice you hear in your head can be very different from the one others will hear.