Every once in a while we come across a piece of content online that is so jam packed full of awesome information, we have to share it with our readers. Communication in the Real World: An Introduction to Communication Studies may look like a simple ebook, but it’s actually a treasure-trove of not only the conceptual foundations of communication, but also of the latest research in the field. We particularly LOVE Chapter 10 section 3 because it focuses on the importance of vocal delivery when giving a presentation. This is a skill that we work on with our clients a lot.
Why is vocal delivery so important when giving a speech?
Because no matter how helpful or enticing your content is, if your vocal delivery is weak, your content will never impact your audience. Your voice is a powerful tool and how you use it will affect how others perceive your message.
With this in mind, let’s explore some of the key takeaways from Chapter 10 Section 3 on vocal delivery:
Key Takeaways for Vocal Delivery
When we talk about vocal delivery, we’re obviously talking about how a person uses their voice to get their ideas across to others. To be a successful speaker, an individual must learn how to manipulate their voice to speak for engagement or, as we at CCA call it, to become “listenable.”
Rate
How fast or slow should you speak? Speak too fast, your information will get lost. Speak too slow and you risk boring your audience to sleep. The real skill is to learn how to vary your rate so you speak right in the middle!
Volume
Have you ever listened to a presenter who is speaking so low you can barely make out what they are saying? And then there are those speakers who are so boisterous and loud your ears cringe at every word?
Like rate, it’s important to have the volume of your voice land somewhere right in the middle for most of your speech. We also help our clients play around with volume. Becoming intentionally softer or louder during a presentation is a great trick to help you grab attention.
Pitch
Pitch refers to how low or high a speaker’s voice is. Now obviously, we don’t have as much control over pitch. Men will typically have lower pitched voices than females. We simply have to deal with some physical limitations of the voice.
Having said that, every person can play with vocal pitch. It’s actually pretty fun. Our clients usually can’t get through these exercises without laughing. Go ahead right now and say, “Mary had a little lamb” in your highest-pitched voice. Now say it in your lowest-pitched voice.
Varying vocal pitch during a presentation is a great way to communicate enthusiasm, seriousness, and an entire range of emotions. Record your next presentation and pay attention to vocal pitch. Did your voice naturally go up and down, or were you pretty flat and monotone throughout?
Speaking for Clarity
We just went over some of the components of vocal delivery that deal with speaking for engagement. Now let’s tackle a few things that will help you speak for clarity. Because effective speakers are the ones whose messages can be digested by the listeners.
Articulation
Many people have trouble with articulation. They will say “Gonna” instead of going to, as an example. Some people mumble over their words. A lot of this is simply vocal laziness. We live in an age where articulation and enunciation are no longer required skills. We’re also used to communicating through texts, where we don’t even spell out entire words for each other! “Ur gonna LOL when I tell you… BRB…”
For our clients, mastering articulation is really hard. And that’s simply because poor articulation has become a bad habit they need to break. Speakers with poor articulation are not taken seriously, so make this year the year you decide to up your game.
Pronunciation
At some point, all speakers will come across a word they are not familiar with. In the communication ebook, the writer uses the following example:
“I have actually heard someone, presenting on the topic of pronunciation, mispronounce the word pronunciation, saying “pro-NOUN-ciation” instead of “pro-NUN-ciation.”
Now, you may think, “Well, that’s a simple and harmless mistake.” Except that when you are standing in front of people, trying to come across as an authority and an expert on your topic, mispronouncing words will undermine your goal.
If you are ever unsure of a word, refer to an online dictionary that offers an audible guide on how to pronounce the word.
Fluency
We say that someone is “fluent” in a language when they can speak it smoothly. When the words effortlessly flow out of their mouth.
Even the best speakers can deal with what the ebook calls “fluency hiccups.” These are unintended pauses in a speech that are usually the result of a distraction or momentary loss of train of thought. They happen to the best of us and only become a problem when they happen regularly enough that the overall message gets lost.
One of the biggest causes of fluency hiccups is a lack of preparation. This is why we work diligently with clients in not only helping them understand the importance of preparation, but also HOW to prepare for a presentation properly.
Conclusion
Vocal delivery is key for both engagement and clarity of message. Presenters should focus on using vocal variety, that is varying the rate, volume and pitch of their voice. They should also pay keen attention to proper articulation and pronunciation, and prepare adequately so they mitigate fluency hiccups.
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