Psychologist Albert Marahabian is quoted as saying “we are five times as likely to be influenced by voice than by spoken words as we listen to a speaker”
There is a lot of learned wisdom in his words. When one reflects on one’s tone of voice when speaking one very quickly learns about volume. Does your volume fluctuate to compensate for surrounding noise. Or does one assume a timid and barely audible voice. Whatever track one is on can result in positive or negative reception.
A good speaker will read a room and pitch their voice accordingly to convey their enthusiasm, emotional values and conviction of their message. As a rule, a high-pitched volume can convey a certain sense of immaturity. The best approach in my opinion when speaking to an audience is to keep the tone conversational thereby winning friends and followers.
The speed at which one speaks can also prove problematic and thereby lose an expectant audience. Too fast and you lose an audience. Too slow and your presentation falls flat as it will be interpreted as boring. A good conversational speaking speed should be in and around 140 160 words per minute. You can measure your speed by regular practice in the comfort of your own home
Lastly. Learn to relax. A simple breathing exercise which I have taught Toastmasters and students is the following.
- Inhale. Hold your breath for the count of five. 2. Hold your breath for the count of 5. 3.Gently exhale to the count of five. 4. Count to five and repeat the exercise. Amount of time spent on this breathing exercise 3 – 5 minutes.
For many clubs their season now draws to a close. Use the summer break to practice and experiment with the above.
Until we meet again and as we say here in Ireland Slan Agus Beannacht.
Tom Flynn
