“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning” –Maya Angelou

The power of the human voice is insane! But do we use it the right way?

Imagine you are standing in front of a large audience and giving a speech or imagine you are talking to your friend over a call. While speaking, your voice has no highs or lows. It is a dull monotone.

Now answer for yourself, will the audience enjoy your speech?

Will the friend not ask you “What is wrong with you? Why are you sounding so dull?” 

This is the power of voice modulation! 

So first, let’s understand what’s Voice Modulation! 

When you control or adjust your voice, this is referred to as voice modulation. It is when you decide whether to be louder or softer, faster or slower, dramatic or emotional. Using your voice and tone to communicate your message more effectively is what voice modulation is all about.

Therefore, effective voice modulation is the difference between a boring speech and one that captivates the audience. Modulation might be difficult but it can be easily practiced!

Let’s see how! 

1) Bring variation in your tone

 Your expressions can be conveyed through tone variation. Make your speech interesting to the people who are listening to it. For example, while speaking, try to narrate things like a story. Lower your voice during the low points and make it go higher during the high points. 

Doing this will ensure that people pay attention to whatever you are saying. 

2) Make the correct use of PAUSES 

 If you want to make an impact with your words, your focus should not only be on the words themselves, but also the use of pauses.

The use of pauses has additional advantages. When you pause, for example, you can catch your breath.

Your pauses will also cause your audience to lean forward in their seats, waiting for your next message.

Example:

“Let me talk about a topic which is never picked by anyone. The topic is Mental Health”

Read this as you would read anything.

Now, let’s add some pauses to it:

“Let me talk about a topic which is never picked by anyone. (pause) The topic is (pause) Mental Health”

3) Stress on Powerful words

When you put more emphasis or stress on certain words, you draw the attention of your audience. 

Choose strong words to emphasize so that your message is both captivating and clear.

Example:

“Let me talk about a topic which is never picked by anyone. The topic is Mental Health”

Read this as you would read anything.

Now, let’s add some stress to it:

“Let me talk about a topic which is never picked by anyone. The topic is Mental Health”

4) Show Enthusiasm  

DO NOT sound bad, monotonous, or use the same tone variation in your speech. Show your enthusiasm in your words.

If your words show enthusiasm it will transfer to the audience as well! 

5) Learn from the experts

Examine videos of powerful orators, politicians, celebrities, and so on. Take note of how they modulate their voices. You can watch TED talks, speeches, and debates to learn more. 

Just remember to keep practicing!

Do let us know in the comments section which tip you liked the most!

Stay Awesome. Stay Prodcutive.

– Divas Gupta

How to bring VOICE MODULATION to make your speech interesting!