AUDACITY a tool in vocal and pronunciation training by Assoc. Prof. Ainol Haryati Ibrahim

3 factors in Vocal Variety 1. volume - refers to the intensity of the voice 2. pitch - refers to the relative highness or lowness of the voice 3. rate – refers to the number of words uttered in a specific time frame, e.g. words per minute

The Importance of Vocal Variety Vocal variety is essential to underscore and reinforce the message Vocal variety is essential to underscore and reinforce the message In speaking, volume and pitch need to be varied to signal changes in the meanings of the sentences In speaking, volume and pitch need to be varied to signal changes in the meanings of the sentences Changes in rate at different times during the speech are effective in adding emphasis Changes in rate at different times during the speech are effective in adding emphasis

Pronunciation Pronunciation refers to the way sounds and words are produced Pronunciation refers to the way sounds and words are produced Errors in pronunciation could occur when the stress is put on the wrong syllable, or pronouncing sounds that should remain silent Errors in pronunciation could occur when the stress is put on the wrong syllable, or pronouncing sounds that should remain silent Pronunciation may also be influenced by regional dialect Pronunciation may also be influenced by regional dialect

PRACTICE IN PUBLIC SPEAKING Practice enables individuals to identify and address speech-related problems or concerns prior to delivery Practice enables individuals to identify and address speech-related problems or concerns prior to delivery It is “one of the most important factors in confident speaking for speakers at all levels of experience” (Fujishin, 2009; p25) It is “one of the most important factors in confident speaking for speakers at all levels of experience” (Fujishin, 2009; p25)

Audacity You can use Audacity to: Record live audio. Record live audio. Convert tapes and records into digital recordings or CDs. Convert tapes and records into digital recordings or CDs. Edit Ogg Vorbis, MP3, WAV or AIFF sound files. Edit Ogg Vorbis, MP3, WAV or AIFF sound files. Cut, copy, splice or mix sounds together. Cut, copy, splice or mix sounds together. Change the speed or pitch of a recording. Change the speed or pitch of a recording.

Creating the audio file Download audio recording software or digital audio editor : 1. Audacity 1. Audacity 2. LAME encoder (to allow MP3 exportation)

Audacity Website

AUDACITY for WINDOWS

DOWNLOADING AUDACITY

LAME Encoder

Downloading LAME

LAME on AUDACITY Wiki

Create the audio file To record at the computer, the following are required : 1. soundcard 2. microphone + headset *Ensure that the equipment is properly plugged in and is functioning*

Creating an audio file using Audacity 1. Connect the equipment 2. Launch Audacity 3. Record the audio file

Creating an audio file using Audacity 4. Edit vocal content 5. Add music and finishing touches NOTE: Get an appropriate license when using commercial music for whatever reason (including as background) NOTE: Get an appropriate license when using commercial music for whatever reason (including as background) 6. Export the file to MP3 format (use LAME)

Recording with Audacity

Saving the file in MP3 format

Link to the complete tutorial on how to use Audacity and LAME:-

Posting the audio files Social networks e.g. Multiply.com Social networks e.g. Multiply.com Blogs Blogs Wikis Wikis

Thank you