1. Chapter 17: Your Voice in Delivery

2. On a Separate Sheet of Paper  In what ways is a speech like a conversation? What are some differences between conversations and speeches? What implications do these differences have for understanding speaker delivery?  Make a list to answer these 2 questions  Be prepared to share aloud

3. Adjust Your Speaking Volume  Volume  Relative loudness of a speaker’s voice  Most obvious vocal element  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8k2AAMTZKo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8k2AAMTZKo  Proper speech volume  Somewhat louder than normal conversation

4. Adjust Your Speaking Volume (cont.)  Three factors affect ideal speech volume  Size of the room and audience  Use (or not) of a microphone  Level of background noise  Be sure listeners can hear you.  Adjust your volume as needed.

5. Vary Your Pitch and Intonation  Pitch  Range of sounds from high to low  Affects the meaning of spoken words  Intonation  Rising and falling of vocal pitch  Different types convey different meanings

6. Vary Your Pitch and Intonation (cont.)  Pitch conveys your  Mood;  Level of enthusiasm;  Concern for the audience;  Overall commitment to the occasion.  Vary your pitch to avoid monotony.

7. Adjust Your Speaking Rate  Speaking rate  Pace at which you convey speech  Normally 120-150 words per minute  Pay attention to the audience’s reactions.  Speaking too slowly bores listeners.  Speaking too quickly can be confusing.

8. Use Strategic Pauses  Pauses enhance meaning by  Providing a type of punctuation;  Emphasizing a point;  Drawing attention to a thought;  Allowing listeners to contemplate a point.  Speakers and listeners both need pauses.

9. Strive for Vocal Variety  Vocal elements should work together to create vocal variety.  Vary the elements with enthusiasm.

10. Carefully Pronounce and Articulate Words  Pronunciation  Correct formulation of word sounds  Articulation  Clarity with which sounds are made  Incorrect pronunciation and articulation distract audiences.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om9EhbBo1Yc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om9EhbBo1Yc

11. Carefully Pronounce and Articulate Words (cont.)  Mumbling  Common pattern of poor articulation  Slurring words together  Low level of volume and pitch  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqolSvoWNck https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqolSvoWNck  Lazy speech  Common examples include fer and wanna

12. Carefully Pronounce and Articulate Words (cont.)  Overcome poor articulation.  Practice speaking more loudly.  Use emphatic pronunciation.  Put more effort into articulation.  Consciously try to say words correctly.  Practice clear and precise enunciation.

13. Use Dialect (Language Variation) with Care  Dialect  Distinctive way of speaking  Associated with a region/social group  Examples: Cajun, Appalachian English, Ebonics  Ensure you can be understood.  Use appropriate pronunciation and word usage.

14. Summary Question  What are the elements of vocal delivery?