Lecture Notes on The Power of the Human Voice

Introduction

• The human voice is a powerful instrument capable of significant impact, from inciting wars to expressing love.
• Many people feel unheard when they speak.

Seven Deadly Sins of Speaking

1. Gossip:
   • Speaking negatively about someone not present.
   • Unreliable as the gossiper may speak ill about others.
2. Judging:
   • Difficult to listen when being judged.
3. Negativity:
   • Hard to engage with constant negativity.
   • Example: Complaining as a form of viral misery.
4. Excuses:
   • Avoid taking responsibility and blaming others.
5. Exaggeration:
   • Demeans language and leads to lying.
6. Dogmatism:
   • Mixing opinions with facts, hard to engage with.

Positive Speaking: The HAIL Method

• HAIL stands for:
  1. Honesty: Truthful and clear in speech.
  2. Authenticity: Be yourself and stand in your own truth.
  3. Integrity: Keep your word and be trustworthy.
  4. Love: Wish others well; temper honesty with kindness.

Utilizing the Voice Toolbox

• Register:
  • Use deeper registers for authority.
• Timbre:
  • Preferred voices are rich and warm; can be trained.
• Prosody:
  • Employ sing-song for meaning; avoid monotone.
• Pace:
  • Vary speed for emphasis and interest.
• Silence:
  • Use silence effectively; avoid fillers like 'um'.
• Pitch:
  • Use pitch variations for emphasis.
• Volume:
  • Adjust volume appropriately; avoid constant broadcasting.

Preparing for Important Speaking Engagements

• Vocal Warm-ups:
  • Techniques to warm up include breathing, lip and tongue exercises.
  • Exercises:
    • Deep breathing with sighing.
    • Lip trills and tongue exercises.
    • R rolling and siren exercises.

Conclusion

• We currently live in a noisy world where effective communication is lacking.
• Imagine a world where sound is consciously created and consumed, enhancing understanding.
• Speaking consciously can transform communication and create a beautiful world.