The Human Voice: Powerful Communication

Importance of the Human Voice

• The human voice is a powerful instrument.
• It has the ability to start wars or express love.
• Key issue: Many people feel unheard when they speak.
• Question to address: How to speak powerfully to effect change?

Seven Deadly Sins of Speaking

1. Gossip: Speaking ill of others behind their backs.
   • Untrustworthy habit.
2. Judging: Hard to listen to someone when you feel judged.
3. Negativity: Constant negativity is off-putting.
   • Example: Mother being negative even about dates.
4. Complaining: Common but spreads misery.
5. Excuses: Not taking responsibility for actions.
6. Exaggeration: Demeans language and can turn into lying.
7. Dogmatism: Confusing facts with opinions.

Four Foundations of Powerful Speaking: HAIL

• Honesty: Be true and clear in what you say.
• Authenticity: Be yourself and stand in your own truth.
• Integrity: Do what you say; be trustworthy.
• Love: Wish people well; makes honesty palatable.

Voice Toolbox

• Register: Depth of voice can convey authority.
• Timbre: Preferred voices are rich and warm; can be improved.
• Prosody: Melody of speech; important for meaning.
• Pace: Speed of speaking can convey excitement or importance.
• Pitch: Variation in pitch can change meaning and emphasis.
• Volume: Can be used for emphasis; avoid constant loudness.

Vocal Warm-Up Exercises

1. Sigh with arms up.
2. Lip sounds: “Ba, Ba, Ba” and “Brr.”
3. Exaggerated tongue sounds: “La, La, La.”
4. Roll an 'R': “Rrr.”
5. Siren sound: “Wee-aw.”

Context

• Current state: Poor communication in noisy, bad acoustic environments.
• Ideal state: Conscious speaking and listening in designed sound environments.
• Goal: Create a world with better understanding through conscious sound creation and consumption.