Words mean more than what is set down
on paper, it take the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.
- Maya
Angelou
Are you
expressing the meaning of your words with your voice? When we listen to
someone's voice, we aren't just listening to words, but also for clues about
how a person feels or wants us to feel. A shrill
and fast paced voice sends out different signals then a resonating and slow
paced voice. You all know which one you prefer. Because both imply an
underlying emotion.
And it
doesn't stop with listening. We automatically change how we sound by tweaking
our pitch and "infusing" our voice, as Maya Angelou said, with
emotion. To give you an example: just think back to when you've held a baby in
your arms - the sound of your voice changed!
Even the
toughest bloke will change the sound of his voice; put more modulation in.
So it is
fair to say that by changing different elements in our speaking voice, we can,
as Maya Angelou also says, give deeper meaning to words that are set down on
paper.
These elements
are:
· Pace
·
Pitch
·
Modulation
·
Articulation
·
Sound
Once you
start listening how others use these ingredients in their speech, you can
become aware why someone's voice is not as effective as it could be.
While at
it, give yourself a task as well! Re-record your voicemail message. Practice it
a few times first, asking yourself:
·
Is my name
clearly pronounced?
·
Am I using
a downward inflection when I state my name? - otherwise it sounds like you are
asking somebody else if what your name is: "my name is Dorothy
Watts?"
·
Am I
keeping a nice relaxed pace with enough modulation?
·
Does my
voice sound welcoming and confident? - a rich and low tone
Record it,
trying it out a few times until you are happy with your message.
One tip
that will improve your sound instantly: smile when you record your message - it
will make the quality of your voice sound richer.
Happy
Voicing!
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