Verbal Communication Today, as a class, we are going to practice using our voices with expression.

Say “no” in the following ways: No! (I absolutely refuse) No! (It can’t be true) No! (I’m disgusted) No! (Now, isn’t that amusing) No! (That’s not the idea exactly, but perhaps you’ll get the idea in a minute)

Say “oh” in the following ways: Oh! (as if someone stepped on your foot) Oh! (as if you are very sleepy) Oh! (as if you lost your temper) Oh! (as if you are biting something that tastes bitter)

Practice shifting emphasis: Yes, I like him (no doubt about it) Yes, I like him (someone else doesn’t) Yes, I like him (But there are some reservations) Yes, I like him (But certainly not his cousin)

In a group: Choose one of the following phrases, practice 2 ways to say it. Be prepared to share your two readings with the class and to explain the effect. You come here now. I love you. Call my parents. The boat is sinking.

Choral Reading - “Rain” by Shel Silverstein I opened my eyes And looked up at the rain, And it dripped in my head And flowed into my brain, And all that I hear as I lie on my bed Is the slishity-slosh of the rain in my head. I step very softly, I walk very slow, I can’t do a handstand – I might overflow, So pardon the wild crazy thing I just said – I’m just not the same since there’s rain in my head.

Choral Reading - “Rain” by Shel Silverstein I opened my eyes And looked up at the rain, And it dripped in my head And flowed into my brain, And all that I hear as I lie on my bed Is the slishity-slosh of the rain in my head. I step very softly, I walk very slow, I can’t do a handstand – I might overflow, So pardon the wild crazy thing I just said – I’m just not the same since there’s rain in my head.

Group Choral Reading 1.Read your quote over several times. Practice reading it out loud together and individually. 2.Decide as a group what the quote means and what part(s) of the quote you want to emphasize. 3.Try different combinations of choral readings until you find one that you think sounds nice and helps to emphasize the meaning of the quote. 4.Practice – you will be sharing your reading with the class. 5.Presentation – present your reading, the author’s name, and a brief explanation of what your group feels is the meaning of the quote.