Monthly Archives: July 2013

Boost Your Projection – Part 4 in the Series on Vocal Variety in Presentations

Why Should You Boost Your Projection?

This aspect of voice is by far the most important as it correlates to your audience’s ability to hear your remarks. Even the most intelligent presenter can not have their desired impact if the people in the room can not hear their key points. With projection, everyone can hear your comments without having to strain their voice. However, there is still value in varying your projection to add intrigue and interest to your comments. For example, you might want to soften your voice to emphasize a key point and then later increase the volume for another point. In either case you must ensure that all members of the audience can hear each and every point.

Practice projecting your voice by imagining that everyone is sitting against the far wall in the room. Ensure they can hear you and that you are speaking from your diaphragm. In fact if you could only improve one skill in voice dynamics, we would say make it Projection.  The very act of speaking more loudly will change your breathing, slow your pace, and add more intonation – all great outcomes for your vocal variety.

 Now that we have discussed Projection keep on the look out for the next article in the series on how Personality impacts your vocals. Or, if you want additional information on how to hone your presentation skills visit our website to get a free copy of report on how to Master Your Presentation Skills at https://boldnewdirections.com or at http://www.presentationtraininginstitute.com

 

Add A Pause – Part 3 in the Series on Vocal Variety

The Power of The Pause

 

Learn how to stretch your voice by understanding the 5 P’s of Voice Control including Pitch, Pace, Pause, Projection & Personality.  This is part 3 in a 5 part series on vocal variety.

 

Pause – How It Works

Pause involves stopping momentarily for effect in the middle of your remarks. It is a tool that is used hand in hand with variation of Pace. A pause is best used before or after a significant point as a tool for emphasis. Pause is also a tremendous tool for nervous speakers who tend to speak too fast. By stopping at key points, the speaker allows the audience time to process key  ideas before moving on to new material. One easy trick to ensure you do pause is to underline key points in your notes and then place the word PAUSE in large letters to remind you to stop speaking for a few seconds. Actively playing with pause will have a profound effect on your presentation prowess.

 

Using the 5Ps of Vocal Control Together

When you’re just starting out you may want to focus on one P at a time then add in more until you are able to stretch your voice to reveal all 5 P’s in a given presentation. By playing around with each aspect of vocal control you can imbue your voice with interest, warmth, and personality! Utilize each of the P’s, including Pitch, Pace, Pause, Projection & Personality to actively engage your audience and keep them wanting more. If you want additional information on how to hone your presentation skills visit our website to get a free copy of report on how to Master Your Presentation Skills at https://boldnewdirections.com

 

 

 

 

Vary Pace for Vocal Variety – Part 2 of 5 Part Series

Vocal variety is essential to keeping your audience intrigued and interested in your remarks. This is Part 2 of a 5 Part Series on how you can you add emphasis, excitement and drama to your next presentation.  Vocal Variety involves 5 P’s.  Pitch, Pace, Pause, Projection and Personality.  In part 1 of this series we explored the power of Pitch.  Part 2 of this five part article drills down on how pacing impacts the listener in a professional presentation, speech, or set of remarks.  Pace is a wonderful tool that many presenters overlook.  Read below to learn how to vary your vocals with the power of pace. 

 

The Power of Pace in Presentations

Pace refers to the speed at which you speak. Just as monotone is boring so is mono-pace. A good speaker knows the value of changing the pace as they speak. For example, when you are introducing a topic that is exciting you may choose to speed up the pace of your voice. Let the audience know that something exciting is about to be shared in your next remarks.  On the other hand, when you want people to focus their attention on a more somber point, you may slow down for emphasis. Too fast all the time isn’t good, but neither is too slow all the time the way to go.  The overall point is that variation of pace is the key to success here. So play around with your pace next time you speak to see the impact on your audience.

Join us in the next article to learn about the power of the Pause in your next presentation.  Or visit us at http://www.presentationtraininginstitute.com or at https://boldnewdirections.com to download a free report on how to increase mastery in your presentation skills. 

5 P’s of Vocal Variety in Presentation Skills – Part 1 Pitch

5P’s of Voice Training & Presentation Skills – Part 1

Ever heard a boring speaker?  Wanted to walk way from the monotone sound of their voice? 

Voice is a powerful tool for presenters. Voice can make all the difference between success and failure when you’re aiming to engage your audience. In sales meetings, company updates or technical meetings, it is critical to keep your audience involved and interested in your remarks. Learn how to stretch your voice by understanding the 5 P’s of Voice Control including Pitch, Pace, Pause, Projection & Personality. 

This is the first of a five part series on how to add intrigue to your remarks by varying your voice dynamics.  Let’s get started with Pitch.

 

Pitch

Pitch refers to the ups and downs of your notes when you speak. We all have the ability to speak from a vocal range – which includes higher notes and lower notes. However, it takes great awareness and practice to notice your own pitch and to change it consciously. Why is pitch important? A monotone voice bores the audience and a bored audience is less likely to recall your key points or to take action. To play around with pitch try thinking of popular characters who have voices at either end of the vocal range then practice speaking (or singing!) like them. For example you might think of Michael Jackson’s high pitched voice and then compare it with Barry White’s deeper tones. You can also simulate the voices of movie actors to start expanding your own range. Over time your awareness and practice with pitch will enable you to vary your voice as you speak – all in the aim of drawing your audience into your remarks. Now that we’ve looked at Pitch, watch for Part 2 of the series when we will discuss Pace. In the meantime, if you want additional information on how to hone your presentation skills visit our website to get a free copy of report on how to Master Your Presentation Skills at https://boldnewdirections.com or at http://www.presentationtraininginstitute.com