Enthrall and Engage courtesy Vocal Variety

One of the most vital ingredients in the recipe of Public Speaking is that of Vocal Variety. A speech might have the right intent, extraordinary use of language and vocabulary, powerful gestures but all of that will come to a naught if the speaker is unable to enthrall and engage his audience or if the speaker cannot make an impact with their voice.

If one goes down the annals of history of public speaking, the most prominent speakers all knew how to rouse and inspire their audience using the subtle powers of their voices. Vocal variety implies use of voice to create emphasis and convey emotions and connotations. A good use of vocal variety indicates how immersed the speaker is in their thoughts and at the same time manages to effectively draw the entire audience’s attention.

Vocal Variety is akin to the notes of a skillful pianist. Variety surprises, astonishes and indulges the audience/ spectators vying for more. A skillful public speaker like a pianist maneuvers the 3 vital Ps- Pitch, Pace and Pause to strike the right chord.

Pitch Variation:

Pitch is the frequency of your voice that alters the emotional content or the intent of the speakers’ words. 

Higher pitch signifies either unease, urgency or excitement. 

Lower pitch indicates sorrow, calmness, seriousness and even authority.

In a speech reminiscing one’s childhood- there can be a flurry of emotions that can be effectively conveyed by use of a variety of high pitch and lower pitch. For eg: A child in a Playground or Dance class compared to a child in a Mathematics class. It conveys a range of attitudes, providing listeners with cues to interpret the speaker’s intentions and emotional state. 

By paying attention to pitch and learning how to adjust it effectively, speakers can improve their ability to convey emotions genuinely and engage more deeply with their audience.

Change in Pace:

A consistent tempo can blunt the impact of the speech and become interesting to the audience. Imagine the stories narrated by a grandparent- An action with variation in the cadence for a character is narrated in a manner to enthuse the audience.

A sudden pacing up of the voice conveys a dramatic turn or tension and then slowing down the pace builds up suspense or yearns the audience to be more attentive to the details.

Pause Power

The application of Pause and moments of silence can be particularly impactful and effective while speaking. A sudden silence can help create suspense and rouse. Pausing also allows you to take a breath, which can help when it comes to managing stress or nervousness. Just be mindful not to let the pause drag on for too long, as it may lose its impact.

An effortless yet deliberate pause facilitates

• Attention onto a pertinent point.

• Allow the audience to grasp the message or comprehend the gravity of the statement.

• Allows you to regroup your energy and thoughts.

A good timely pause in recent days has earned a new name- The Mic Drop moment where you get the better of everyone in the audience.

Ancillary to Voice Variation

The voice of a speaker can exude and display a speaker’s energy. 

A good posture and ability to breathe in a calm and composed manner facilitates projecting of the voice

Deep breaths can support vocal delivery.

Reflect your passion and emotion in your voice to immerse the thoughts of your audience in your speech.

Conclusion

A good vocal variety enhances the effectiveness of a speech and is one of the first barometers of effective communication. A good vocal variety exhibits the awareness of a speaker with respect to the sentiments of those present in the audience.