Quite often in delivering a speech, the speaker is required to memorize the opening, parts of the middle section and the conclusion. The remainder of the presentation must be learned, memorized or resorted to the use of reading cue cards or a hard copy.
Many speakers use the technology of a teleprompter. It is also known as an autocue. This is a display device separate or on a computer that prompts the person speaking with an electronic visual text of a speech or a script. A teleprompter is not always available on the computer or in the speaking venue. A hard copy of the presentation placed in front of you on a podium can be cumbersome and annoying. Finding your spot on the page can be distracting to the flow and often disrupts the speaker and the audience. Speakers return to the familiar technique of reading their scripts which results in boredom for the listeners.
Reading to children is a perfect example of how reading out loud can calm a child and put them to sleep. This has the same effect on an audience.
Why not learn the skills of a Voice Over Artist?
Voiceover artists are auditory performers who work on everything from video games and commercials to audiobooks, apps and e-learning courses. A Voice-over Artist is someone who uses their voice in radio, television, film, theatre and other presentations. Sometimes they are in a dialogue between characters in a scripted radio play, but often referred to as off-camera or off-stage commentary or narration. The skills you require to be a Voice-over Artist are clarity, pronunciation, tonal variety, acting, and accents.
Many of these skills can enhance your performance as an outstanding Public Speaker.
As a Professional Public Speaking, you should have between 25 – 50 tonal varieties to your voice. Most people speak with two to three. They haven’t discovered the vast range of vocal tones from which they can draw from.
Here is a list of six different vocal tones:
- Volume
- Pitch
- Rate
- Confidence
- Melody
- Friendliness
When reading your script try to have your voice rise and fall and experiment with the latter six competencies. Periodically look up at the audience. Try to look at the audience to the right section, middle and left.
When done properly the listener interprets the speaker as talking to them rather than reading. This results in an impactful presentation that the audience feels a part of using active listening rather than passive. Your audience will enjoy, learn, be more engaged and find greater value from your speech.
Written by Bette Elly Klimit
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