Delivering a Speech

Making Volume, Pace, and Tone Work in Your Delivery

Apr 4, 2008 Amy Smith

The point of speechmaking is to convey a message to an audience. The most powerful message will have no impact without an effective delivery.

William Faulkner, one of America’s greatest southern writers, gave a beautifully written speech accepting the Nobel prize for literature in 1950. His uplifting words about the human spirit have been immortalized in this speech. However, the presentation in Stockholm, Sweden, was a rhetorical failure—because of his delivery. When giving the speech, he spoke in low tones, mumbling at times. He did not make eye contact with the audience. When Faulkner finished, even those on the front row could not have given a clear summary of the speech.

So, how can you make sure your well-written speeches are delivered in a memorable fashion?

Volume

It’s important that your volume be appropriate for the setting. In order to plan for adjusting volume, it might be helpful to know as much as you can about the occasion and setting. Ask questions such as:

• How large is the room and how is it shaped?
• How will the room be set up?
• Will there be a stage and podium? If so, will it be in the center or will some people be farther away?
• How many people will be in the room?
• Will they be doing anything that could increase noise in the room (i.e. eating, reviewing materials)?

Knowing the answers to these questions can help you plan whether you might need to increase or decrease your volume. Then, practice controlling the volume of your voice in a variety of rooms with a listening partner. When you begin your presentation, if you’re not certain whether your volume is correct, ask your audience.

Tone

Volume is not the only means of controlling your voice. Have you ever heard a speaker who presents in a tone with no variation? Your voice is a tool that can be used to draw attention to important points or complement specific ideas. When used this way, it engages an audience and encourages them to listen. One way to practice use of tone is by reading aloud and using tone in different ways. Choose a child’s storybook or poem for a text that begs to be read in a variety of tones, perhaps with a different voice for each character. Then, put these new techniques to play in your presentation.

Pace

A common problem with nervous speakers is setting a steady pace. Many of us want to get the presentation over as quickly as possible, and it shows as we speed through our delivery. Pace is the speed at which you put thoughts together out loud. Speak slowly and with purpose. Take your time and use notes to regroup at the end of sections or when changing ideas. When you feel you are speaking too slowly, you are likely speaking just right for your audience. Remember, it may take a few seconds for your audience to hear and understand what you have said. It will take even longer for them to make the transition from one topic area to another. So, set your pace slowly to give your audience the best possible delivery.

After polishing your written speech, ensure you leave time to practice your delivery. The right volume, tone and pace can effectively enhance your carefully prepared words. With practice and advance planning, a well-written speech can become an effectively delivered presentation.

The copyright of the article Delivering a Speech in Business Management is owned by Amy Smith. Permission to republish Delivering a Speech in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.