Online Accent Reduction for Non-native English Speakers
Vocal Rest for the Professional
Monday, 08 March 2010 00:00
Pace Yourself
Heavy voice users (sales people, presenters, singers/actors) rely on a well-functioning voice in their job every day. Speaking is much like participating in a strenuous sport. If you rely on a well-functioning voice, use “pacing” in the same way a marathon runner would. “Pace” yourself with regard to frequency, loudness, and duration of voice use. For example, alternate phone calls with periods of completing paper work and do your most taxing speaking after your voice has warmed up to prevent vocal fatigue and hoarseness.
Here are some other high risk occupations:
Executives, professionals, salespeople, clergy, politicians, teachers, trainers, broadcasters, stock/commodity brokers, nurses, receptionists, waiters/waitresses.
Avoid losing your voice completely or becoming hoarse during the day by pacing yourself with regard to frequency, loudness, duration of voice use.
Breath Right for Speaking!
Monday, 01 March 2010 00:00
Respiration in the simplest terms is breathing. Respiration is a physical and chemical process in which we supply our cells and tissues with oxygen. Both singing and speaking require an outgoing airstream capable of activating vocal cord vibration. As you are listening or reading this right now, you’re inhaling and exhaling on average of 16 breaths per minute. When you begin to speak, your exhalation is prolonged. You may speak short sentences with frequent breaths or long utterances and rarely come up for air at all. Most of us vary the amount of respirations and the length of them.
Many people use only a fraction of their lung capacity by taking shallow breaths. This is the inefficient pattern called clavicular breathing. It is easy to spot. Often times, the shoulders are hunched over and you can visibly observe someone who is speaking with this kind of support because the shoulders and chest lift on inhalations. Visible neck tension may also be present and the voice may sound raspy.
If you think you are breathing improperly, you may need to learn diaphragmatic breath support. It brings the air to the lowest and largest part of the lungs and uses the diaphragm muscle. Diaphragmatic breath support does produce a quicker, more efficient inhalation and provides good support for the voice. The good news about this type of breathing is that it is visible and easy to monitor and create. It is essential for strong voices and superior vocal quality.
Slow Your Speech to Improve Pronunciation
Monday, 22 February 2010 00:00
Are you a fast talker?
If you are, you may be losing the most important person in the room: the listener! A good conversational rate of speech ranges between 140-160 words per minute. A rate higher than 160 words per minute is typically difficult for the listener to absorb the material especially if it is complex. Some areas of the country may speak faster but a slower rate is preferable.
Speech rate affects the listeners perception of the speaker and the relative importance of the message. Too slow of rate signals a perception of slow thinking, incompetence, being uneducated. If the content of the message is unimportant and spoken slowly, the listener my become impatient and lose interest in listening.
When is a slower rate appropriate? Well, imagine Martin Luther King speaking I Have a Dream at a fast rate. Had Dr. King spoken more quickly, the listener wouldn't have processed the complex, thought-provoking information in a meaningful way. The slow rate signaled importance and sent a message that the content should be taken seriously. So, abstract and complex messages should be spoken more slowly. Presenters and speakers should use slow rates to drive their points home.
If you have a foreign accent, speaking slowly is crucial since pronunciation and fluency may be a challenge for you. Using a speed that is closer to 140 words per minute is necessary.
Is a fast rate ever appropriate? Well, if the message is humorous, light and frivolous, a faster rate may be ok. When determining the rate of speech you want to use, be sure to analyze the content of your message. No matter what speed you choose, be sure to show emotion through vocal variety and facial expression.
