At the last Farnham Speakers meeting, I was privileged to be able to evaluate a wonderful and emotional speech. The topic was the speaker’s experience at assisting at a home birth and the thrills and concerns that came with it.
I was asked by the speaker to pay particularly attention to Vocal Variety as she had been ‘pulled up’ on this a few times before. It was not the goal of the speech but it is good to be considering the whole package.
The speech was an excellently presented story of the occasion. It made me realise just how much vocal variety is key to the delivery of emotion. This was a very personal story, after all, and there was no doubt as to any of the sincerity. It was very clear just how much the occasion meant to her.
Vocal Variety allows the ‘highs and lows’ of an occasion to contrast with each other, which in turn will make the impact of any emotion so much stronger. As mentioned, the sincerity was very clear. However, what would have made the speech even stronger would have been more vibrant vocal variety with the descriptions of the more ‘manic’ parts of the birth: Suddenly everything starts to happen and there is scope for panic despite any preceding calmness. Reflecting this in the voice is very powerful.
The strong emotional feeling of a baby being delivered safely would contrast so very well against dramatic use of vocal variety in the preceding moments… the ‘Is everything going to be okay?’ effect.
Such contrasting is a classic story-telling technique. Think of all those ‘rags to riches’ stories! “Look at me, I’m confident and strong up here on the stage…. but…. it never used to be this way…”.
How have you used Vocal Variety or other techniques recently to really increase the level of emotional involvement that you have with an audience?
Two speeches ago, I began the Advance Communicator Series with “The Professional Speaker” manual; it was my first 15-20 minute speech with the subject on having a positive attitude. I spoke of a call received just a few days prior from my nephew telling me that his wife and him divorced earlier this year after 12 years of marriage. What a shock it had been to my system!
Although on the verge of tears, I held the emotion in. My evaluator told me to let it emote, for it draws the audience even closer in relationship.
Tristan, I love your “vocal variety is key to the delivery of emotion” and “Look at me….”
Absolutely love your column and the virtual Toastmasters club!
Dream On!
PeggyLee
Wonderful post. When I listen to audios or watch videos I made even last year I see how my much freer I am using vocal variety. I had no label for the technique. AND I do notice the huge difference in impact when speaking that way.
As I prepare to record an audiobook I feel most appreciative of this info as I will hold the concept in my mind and allow it flow into my recording.
Thanks so much.
Couldn’t agree more with the impact Vocal Variety makes. Thanks for the reminder. I enjoyed browsing your blog. Wishing you the very best with the blog and the Ultimate Blog Challenge Trisl
Candace