Voice and Speaking Skills For Dummies by Judy Apps

Author:Judy Apps
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Published: 2012-05-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Uncovering Your Unique Voice

In This Chapter

Transcending technique with feeling and intent

Discovering your authentic voice

Speaking from within

Think of this chapter as great adventure, with me as your guide on the quest to discover the voice that expresses the best of you – your own authentic voice.

As a first step, take a moment to make a list of some of your favourite communicators from various sources: show hosts, commentators, actors, comedians and others you’ve heard on radio, television or in film. Your list may also include people you know, such as a professional colleague who’s a great presenter, a team member who’s convincing at meetings, a friend who draws an eager crowd in the pub or a member of your family who’s fascinating to listen to. For each person on your list, write down a few words about their voice to describe what in your view makes them a good communicator.

Most people discover that they like a range of different qualities and that the appeal of each speaker is different. Whenever you warm to a speaker, you’re responding to something in the voice that is unique to that person. There are as many different ways to communicate successfully as there are people. Now is your opportunity to explore what is unique and special in your voice.

Moving Beyond Technique

The other day I listened to a recording of a speech that had won an international speaking competition. The skill of the speaker was evident in every phrase. If I’d been judging on individual skills, I would have ticked almost every box: organisation of speech, resonant voice, variety of tone, pace, contrast, use of rhetorical devices, facial expression, use of silence. But there was one box I wouldn’t have ticked – inspiration. The speech was wonderfully competent but the skills failed to add up to something greater than the individual parts. It left me cold. The speaker’s technique led the delivery; it was a display of brilliance more than a communication.

On the other hand, certain speakers don’t have the finest voices and rush sometimes in their eagerness to get the words out or occasionally pause, unable to find the right word. Yet you find yourself inspired when they speak, because of what they have to say and how they’re able to connect with you.

When people listen to you, they’re not actually interested in how you speak, they want to hear what you have to say. They don’t want to be impressed by your technique, but rather to connect with what you’re offering.

While lack of technique may get in the way of communication at times, over-displayed technique is just as problematic, often more so. Technique that is patently visible actually impedes understanding. You find yourself admiring the skill rather than connecting with the message. On some level, the audience knows when a speaker is feeling self-important and indulging too much in their prowess as they show off the brilliance of their range and power. In times of political conferences and elections, you don’t have to look for long before you hear such a speaker.

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