Controlling your voice
You use your voice in a variety of ways everyday. A lot of the meaning you need from your words is created not by the choice of word but by its form. For example, you might whisper if you want to say something that only one person should hear, shout loudly if you’re trying to get someone’s attention. You might use a When someone says the opposite of what they really mean in order to mock or insult. tone with a friend and a polite tone with someone you respect. You speak slowly in some situations and quickly in others.
When using your voice you can change your:
- tone
- pitch and volume
- The way words are spoken in a clear and precise way.
- pace, pauses and silences
Think about your listener and aim to keep them interested by varying your voice, avoiding rambling or speaking in a monotone. Speak a little more loudly and slowly to emphasise a point or draw your listeners in with a whisper.
You can use your voice to:
- emphasise a point
- draw in your audience
- create humour
In this video, Simon Armitage explores the importance of how people use their voices:
Shakespearean actor Charles Dance shares some useful tips on how to get an audience to listen to you