The Human Voice: The Instrument We All Play

Introduction

• Importance of the Human Voice:
  • The most powerful sound in the world.
  • Can start a war or say "I love you."
  • Many feel unheard when they speak.
• Objective: How to speak powerfully to effect change.

Seven Deadly Sins of Speaking

1. Gossip:
   • Speaking ill of someone not present.
   • Causes distrust.
2. Judging:
   • Hard to listen to someone who judges.
3. Negativity:
   • Difficult to listen to constant negativity.
   • Example: Complaining is common but spreads misery.
4. Excuses:
   • Not taking responsibility.
   • Blame others.
5. Exaggeration/Embroidery:
   • Demeans language.
   • Leads to lying.
6. Dogmatism:
   • Confusion of facts with opinions.
   • Hard to listen to.
7. Complaining:
   • Viral misery.

Four Foundations of Powerful Speech: HAIL

1. Honesty: Be clear and straightforward.
2. Authenticity: Be yourself; stand in your own truth.
3. Integrity: Be trustworthy; do what you say.
4. Love: Wish people well; temper honesty with love.

The Vocal Toolbox

• Register: Use chest voice for weight and authority.
• Timbre: Rich, smooth, and warm voices are preferable.
• Prosody: Use varied tones instead of monotonous speech.
• Pace: Control speed for emphasis and engagement.
• Silence: Use pauses effectively.
• Pitch: Vary pitch for meaning.
• Volume: Use volume to convey excitement or intimacy.

Vocal Warm-Up Exercises

1. Deep Sigh: Arms up, deep breath in, sigh out.
2. Lip Buzz: Ba, Ba, Ba, Ba.
3. Tongue Exercise: La, La, La, La.
4. Roll an R: Rrrrrrr.
5. Siren: Weeeaawww, Weeeaawww.

Conclusion

• Current State: Poor speaking and listening in noisy environments.
• Ideal State: Speaking powerfully and listening consciously in well-designed environments.
• Vision: A world with conscious sound creation and consumption leading to better understanding.