Overview
This lecture discusses the power of the human voice, highlighting common pitfalls in communication and offering techniques and principles for speaking more effectively and being heard.
Common Speaking Habits to Avoid
- Gossip: Speaking negatively about people who are not present.
- Judging: Making listeners feel evaluated or criticized.
- Negativity: Constant negative outlook and pessimism.
- Complaining: Spreading dissatisfaction rather than positivity.
- Excuses: Avoiding responsibility and blaming others.
- Exaggeration (Embroidery): Overstating facts, leading to lying.
- Dogmatism: Presenting opinions as absolute facts.
Foundations of Powerful Speaking (HAIL)
- Honesty: Speaking truthfully, clearly, and directly.
- Authenticity: Being genuine and true to yourself.
- Integrity: Doing what you say and being trustworthy.
- Love: Wishing others well and communicating with kindness.
Voice Toolbox and Techniques
- Register: Use lower (chest) voice for authority and power.
- Timbre: Develop a warm, rich vocal quality through training.
- Prosody: Use varied pitch and rhythm for meaningful, engaging speech.
- Pace: Vary speed to emphasize points or create excitement.
- Silence: Incorporate pauses for effect and emphasis.
- Pitch: Use pitch changes to convey different meanings.
- Volume: Adjust loudness to attract attention or create intimacy.
Vocal Warm-Up Exercises
- Deep sigh with arms up to relax and prepare voice.
- Lip warm-up: Repeat "Ba, Ba, Ba..."
- Lip buzz: Make a "brrrrr" sound.
- Tongue warm-up: Repeat "La, la, la..."
- Rolling "R" for tongue flexibility.
- "Siren": Glide from high "we" to low "aw" sound.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Register — The pitch level of your speaking voice (chest, throat, nose).
- Timbre — The color or quality of your voice (e.g., warm, cold).
- Prosody — The patterns of rhythm and intonation in speech.
- HAIL — Acronym for Honesty, Authenticity, Integrity, Love in speech.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice and avoid the seven deadly sins of speaking.
- Apply the HAIL principles in all conversations.
- Practice vocal warm-up exercises before important speaking situations.