192 CHAPTER 14^ Delivering Your Speech
Use Vocal Variation
Aristotle’s classic text on rhetoric^35 discussed three important vocal variations: volume,
pitch, and rate (which he called rhythm).
It is not enough to know what we ought to say; we must also say it as we ought.... It
is, essentially, a matter of the right management of the voice to express the various
emotions—of speaking loudly, softly, or between the two; of high, low, or intermediate
pitch; of the various rhythms that suit various subjects. These are the three things—
volume of sound, modulation of pitch, and rhythm—that a speaker bears in mind.
What kinds of impressions do vocal variations create? If you speak in a soft mono-
tone instead of varying your pitch, you’ll sound bored or sick; a louder monotone sounds
angry. And several studies^36 conclude that audiences typically associate vocal rate and
volume with the following personality traits:
Loud and fast speakers: self-sufficient, resourceful, dynamic
Loud and slow speakers: aggressive, competitive, confident
Soft and fast speakers: enthusiastic, adventuresome, confident, composed
Soft and slow speakers: competitive, enthusiastic, benevolent
Is there a relationship between your rate of speech and your credibility? Research
shows that audiences associate rapid speech with intelligence and objectivity. They link
a moderate rate to composure, honesty, an orientation toward people, and compassion.^37
To make vocal variations work for you, follow some of these rehearsal suggestions:
• One professional trainer suggests you babble during one rehearsal. That is, give your
speech in nonsense syllables but use the vocalics, gestures, and body movements that
express its emotional content.^38
• Record your speech and listen to your voice. Notice whether or not your tone of
voice, rising or falling inflection, and stress on specific words create the meanings
you want. Take notes on specific things you do well and things to improve. Rehearse
the parts that could use more energy.
During your actual performance, remember these suggestions:
• The most important rule is to speak loudly enough to be heard throughout the entire
room.^39vocal variations changes in
volume, rate, and pitch that
combine to create impres-
sions of the speaker
Nigerian, Chinese, Puerto Rican, and Pakistani communicators tend to gaze less
directly.^32
Arabs, Italians, and African Americans tend to speak louder and more intensely
than Native Americans and East Asians. North Americans tend to be uncomfort-
able with long pauses, but Japanese, Navajos, and speakers in India use pauses for
reflection and for gathering of one’s thoughts.^33
Many immigrants take classes to improve their pronunciation, but YanHong
Krompacky, herself an immigrant, tells them not to waste their money as long as
their English is comprehensible and fluent. She argues, “This country is built on
accents. Accent is one of the most conspicuous symbols of what makes America
the free and prosperous land its own people are proud of and other people long to
live in.”^34Copyright 2016 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s).
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