Real Communication An Introduction

412 Part 4  Public Speaking

also through two channels of nonverbal communica-

tion: the vocal and the visual. These channels directly

impact your ability to connect with your audience

whether you are presenting to a small group, a large

audience, or even in an online environment.

Effective Vocal Delivery

Actor Seth Rogen is the rare comedian who uses a

monotone voice to great comic effect—his delivery of

zinging punch lines in a flat, unchanging tone adds

an extra layer of irony to films like This is the End

(2013), Paul (2011), and Pineapple Express (2008). But

listening to him deliver a long speech in the same style

would likely lull you to sleep. By using varying aspects

of your voice, you can engage your audience as well

as convey confidence and trustworthiness. Through

practice, you can learn to control the elements of vocal

delivery, which include pitch, volume, rate, pauses,

pronunciation, and articulation.

Vary Your Pitch

To be an effective public speaker, you must make use of the range of vocal

sounds that the human voice is capable of producing. These variations of sound

range from high to low—like musical notes—and are known as pitch. You speak

in a monotone (like Seth Rogen or Ben Stein) when you do not vary your pitch

at all, and a monotonous speaker can be painful for listeners. So how do you

ensure that you are using your pitch effectively? One way to practice is to record

yourself speaking ahead of time to determine if there are places where you need

to use more energy and extend your pitch levels.

Adjusting Your Speaking Rate and Volume

Speakers can use vocal cues to signal to the audience what needs their attention.

Just as we use boldface and italic type in the pages of this book to emphasize

certain words and phrases, as a speaker you can use audible cues to emphasize

certain points.

How fast or slow you speak is known as your speaking rate, and it can also be a

key factor in effective speaking. You want to speak slowly enough that your audience

is able to hear and absorb what you say but quickly enough to capture the urgency

and importance of what you are saying. Typically, if you speak faster, compared with

surrounding material, you signal your enthusiasm for the content, and the audience’s

interest will follow. When you slow down, your rate signals a degree of seriousness

and concern. You would deliver a persuasive call-to-action speech at a faster pace in

order to show and elicit enthusiasm. You would deliver a tribute or dedication, such

as a eulogy, at a slower pace to demonstrate sincerity and seriousness.

Changes in volume—how loudly or quietly you speak—can also be used to

emphasize certain points. What do you want to stand out from your speech for

EFFECTIVE SPEAKING

is a crucial skill. Whether

you’re a sports star giving

a press conference or a

climbing instructor giving a

safety demonstration, you

need to know how to deliver

your words in an articulate

and expressive manner. (top

left) Streeter Lecka/Getty Images;

(top right) JJ/Getty Images; (bottom left)

© Chris Kleponis/Zuma/Corbis; (bottom

right) © Jeff Morgan education/Alamy

Many of us feel awkward

when we hear our voices

on a recording, but rather

than feel uncomfortable, you

should learn to embrace

your speaking voice. What

aspects of your vocal deliv-

ery are unique to you? How

might you, like Seth Rogen,

utilize these features to

create a confident speaking

style all your own?

AND YOU?