\u201cIt\u2019s not WHAT you said; it\u2019s HOW you said it!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is this a familiar sentence to you? I\u2019d be willing to bet that there\u2019s been a moment in your life when you\u2019ve said this during an argument. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How<\/em> we say words can have a big impact on the message taken by the person who is listening. We use the <\/a>sound<\/em> of our voice to show all sorts of emotions, from excitement to anger, frustration to happiness. The choices we make in how we use those sounds help us to convey those feelings by giving meaning to words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using our voice in this way comes naturally to us in our personal lives, yet when we find ourselves in a business setting, perhaps a boardroom or on a video conference, our speech can become bland, monotone or unnecessarily serious, which can quickly cause audiences to disengage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In order to really compel audiences to listen to us, our words and body language need to be congruent, and the sounds we make need to match this too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The elements of our voice, such as pitch, tone and speed, are often described as \u2018paraverbal language\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “If we make the wrong vocal choices, we can risk giving the wrong message. When words and tone don\u2019t match, we believe the tone more.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n How we say things shows people how to feel about the information we share with them, and it can be very powerful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, changing the vocal emphasis on different words in a sentence has the power to completely change its meaning. Take this phrase:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI didn\u2019t say that you were lazy.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Now imagine the different meanings which a person could infer from the sentence, depending on which word is emphasised when spoken:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI<\/em><\/strong> didn\u2019t say that you were lazy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI didn\u2019t<\/em><\/strong> say that you were lazy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI didn\u2019t say<\/em><\/strong> that you were lazy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI didn\u2019t say that you were lazy.<\/em><\/strong>\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If we make the wrong vocal choices, we can risk giving the wrong message. When words and tone don\u2019t match, we believe the tone more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All spoken communication involves paraverbal language, but it is particularly important to use it well when other non-verbal cues (e.g. body language) are limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, when you\u2019re on a phone call or a video conference where people don\u2019t have their cameras on, we have to work harder to ensure our message is understood, as we can\u2019t show people how to feel about information with our body language or facial expressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is when conscious choices about paraverbal language can really help to boost the clarity of your communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several elements of paraverbal language that you can use to your advantage when planning any sort of spoken communication or presentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This describes the notes and range in our voice. Higher-pitched sounds can convey happy feelings but also anxious ones. Lower, deeper sound pitches can give an air of calmness and control but also build drama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Think about how you want your audience to feel about the information that you\u2019re sharing and what type of pitch would best match that feeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The pace \u2013 also referred to as cadence or speed – at which we speak can influence the message that people take from our words. If we are excited or angry, our speech becomes more rapid (and<\/em> high-pitched). If we are bored, our speech becomes slow. When we are defensive, our sounds can become abrupt and sharp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A faster pace might work if you\u2019re trying to motivate or inspire people to support your idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re sharing serious or complex information, speaking more slowly might help your audience to understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As well as giving meaning to our words, the speed at which we speak can actually harm our impact when communicating if we can\u2019t control it. When we are nervous, we tend to speed up and speak quickly, making breathing difficult. This can make audiences feel nervous too, so if in doubt, slow down or pause and take a breath before continuing. Speaking too quickly can also mean that someone may miss key points in your message, so learning to control your pace can be beneficial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you speak with little energy, you will sound bored no matter how exciting your words are \u2013 and your audience will feel bored too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether your message is positive, serious, uplifting or simply an informative update, ensure that you\u2019re powering your voice and projecting your words with energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Well-timed pauses can be used effectively to help guide audiences through your information. Pausing before or after an important point is like shining a big spotlight on that information, causing people to sit up and listen attentively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Think about the information that you\u2019re sharing and the most important parts of it. Where could you add in a pause? Are there any parts which are complex where people may want to write down information, or need a few seconds to process what you\u2019re saying? Plan pauses and give more control to your words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paraverbal language in English can be particularly tricky for non-native speakers. If your native language has less variation of pitch than English, then you can risk sounding monotone or bored when you speak in English. Some languages use upward inflections of pitch (going from a low pitch to a high pitch) at the end of a sentence \u2013 but in English, this can come across as being doubtful or insincere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To improve your paraverbal communication in English, think about how your own language uses pitch, speed and inflections. Are there differences? Do you need to vary your pitch and speed more when speaking in English in order to be more understandable to other English speakers?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Try tuning in to the sounds in English in different situations and think about how you may be able to emulate that in your own communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are preparing a speech or a presentation in advance, once you\u2019ve worked out what you are going to say, take some time to think about how<\/em> you are going to deliver it. Are there sections that need to be more uplifting and motivational where you can use a higher pitch? Perhaps there\u2019s some really complex information that would benefit from you speaking more slowly? Annotating your script or notes can help remind you and give you the \u2018stage direction\u2019 to help you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you would like help or expert coaching in non-verbal and paraverbal communication, we\u2019re here for you! Get in touch with our team today.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also watch or listen to our podcast below, where Alina talks to voice expert Emanuella Grace about the power of your voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Why is paraverbal language important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When is paraverbal language important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is paraverbal language?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1)<\/em> Pitch <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2)<\/em> Pace<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3) Energy<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4) Pausing<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Communicating in English as a foreign language<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Preparation is key<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Find out more <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n