The moral of the “shout lout” tale is that one needs to be aware of one’s environment, and modify one’s voice accordingly. The “shout lout” is probably great when addressing a large meeting of shareholders, but was awful in the more intimate restaurant setting.

At the other end of the spectrum, of course, is the whisperer or mumbler. Here is someone who believes that just because they can hear themselves, everyone else can hear them too – a bit like an ostrich which, having hidden its head in the sand believes that no part of its enormous body is now visible.

How can you tell if you are a whisperer or mumbler? If people have to lean closer and closer when you speak or consistently ask you to repeat yourself, then you may need to project a little more. Mumblers often speak quietly, but also too quickly, swallowing their words and speaking as fast as they think. So, even if you’ve got a lot to say, remember, slow down sufficiently so that people can understand what you’re saying. Don’t forget, the whole thrust of soft skills or strategic communication is how we affect and influence other people.We have to make everything around us feel good, right down to the volume and pitch and sound of our voices.

MELODY

When you watch TV – especially the news and breakfast TV shows – you will notice that the hosts and presenters have a certain way of speaking.Their voices are mellifluous – their words tend to flow in a pattern that sounds attractive to our ears. Their comments are filled with phrases like “Still to come”“Don’t forget”, and “Just ahead”.
This vocal embellishment is no accident.TV presenters are chosen not only for the way they look but also for the way they sound. A good voice is never monotonous, but is punctuated with pauses, punches, rises and falls, and is delivered in a steady rhythm.This is a major asset when trying to impart crucial information, such as how busy the roads are,whether it’s going to rain or which politician is ahead in the polls. “SIT!”

Whether talking tête-à-tête with a new lover, motivating a group of ten employees, or addressing a conference room filled with 200 delegates, the aim is always to keep the attention of your audience, have them wanting to hear more.A perfect example of the effect of “melody” – the rise and fall in your voice – can be taken from how
we deal with our fabulous, tail-wagging, four-legged friends.

If you want to attract the attention of your dog, you don’t use a dull, lifeless voice. They won’t listen, and they won’t respond. No, instead, you need to adopt that highpitched,  excited voice that accompanies such promising offers as “Wanna go for walkies?”,“Wanna treat? Do you? DOYOU?Yes you do!!”The goal here is to arouse
their sense of anticipation. Normally the voice goes way up in pitch towards the end of each sentence.The tone adopted makes the offer sound so tempting that your dog is skipping around, flapping his little ears, barking with excitement about your proposal.

Now I’m certainly not saying you should burst into the CEO’s office and scream “Wanna quarterly financial report?? “Do you? Do you???” But if you believe that you may be at risk of sounding dull from time to time, what you can always do in any meeting, conversation or interaction is vocally animate your voice . Let’s explore in greater detail various ways you can do this.

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