1. “The Voice of Delivery”
Chapter 18 Notes

2. Volume
Definition: The relative loudness of a speaker’s voice while giving a speech. It is usually the most obvious and frequently cited vocal element in speechmaking.
The proper volume for delivering a speech is somewhat louder than that of normal conversation.
Speakers whose volume is too low are viewed less positively that those who project their voices at a pleasing volume.

3. Volume (cont.) Just how much louder depends on 3 factors:
1. the size of the room and the number of people in the audience,
2. whether or not you use a microphone ,
3. the level of background noise.

4. Pitch Definition: The range of sounds from high to low.
Pitch is determined by the number of vibrations per unit of time.
Vocal Pitch is important in speechmaking because it powerfully affects the meaning associated with spoken words.
For example: Say “Stop.” Now say “Stop!”

5. Pitch (cont.)
Intonation , or pitch, is the rising and falling of vocal pitch across phrases and sentences.
Intonation is what distinguishes a question from a statement. For Ex: “It’s time to study already.” or “It’s time to study already?”
Additionally, pitch conveys your mood, reveals your level of enthusiasm, expresses your concern for the audience and signals your overall commitment to the occasion.

6. Rate
Definition: The pace at which you convey speech. It is the most effective way to hold an audience’s attention, as well as to accurately convey the meaning of your speech.
A slow pace indicates thoughtfulness, seriousness, solemnity, reverence, concern, etc.
A lively pace indicates excitement, adventure, happiness, enthusiasm, and so on.

7. Rate (cont.)
The normal rate of speech for adults is estimated to be between 120 and 150 words per minute.
The typical public speech occurs at a rate slightly below 120 words per minute, but there is no standard or most effective rate.

8. Pauses
Many new speakers are uncomfortable with pauses because of a social stigma attached to any silence in a speech.
Therefore, we cover undesirable pauses with vocal fillers, such as “uh”, “you know”, “I mean”, “anyways.”
Like pitch, however, pauses are important strategic elements of a speech.

9. Pauses (cont.)
Pauses enhance meaning by providing a type of punctuation, emphasizing a point, drawing attention to a key point, or just allowing listeners a moment to contemplate what is being said.

10. Vocal Variety
The real key to effective vocal delivery is to vary all these elements, thereby demonstrating Vocal Variety.
Another key to achieving effective vocal variety is enthusiasm. Vocal Variety comes naturally when you are excited about what you are saying to the audience. However, be careful not to let your enthusiasm overwhelm your ability to control your vocal behavior.

11. Pronunciation and Articulation
Another important element of vocal delivery involves correctly saying the words you speak. Few things distract an audience more than improper pronunciation and unclear articulation of words.
Pronunciation is the correct formation of word sounds.
Articulation is the clarity or forcefulness with which the sounds are made, regardless of whether they are pronounced correctly.

12. Pronunciation and Articulation (cont.)
Mumbling is a very common pattern of poor articulation. It involves slurring words at a very low level of volume and pitch so that they are barely audible.
Lazy speech is also a major problem. Some examples include: “fer” instead of “for” or “gonna” instead of “going to”.