Rajendra Dhar
POLICE WATCH INDIA (Regd. NGO).
You have probably encountered a situation many times where you wished you sounded better or that you could have said something better. Some people refer to it as sounding “smart,” but the skill that is being questioned is articulation. Being articulate can give others the impression that you are cultured and knowledgeable. Being articulate is knowing how to use language both fluently and easily. This is a skill that is useful when meeting new people, giving speeches, seeking a new job or leading a group of people. With some practice and preparation, you can become a better articulator.
The key to becoming an independent articulate speaker is to look up for meaningful words and correct pronunciation which you maybe unfamiliar with, and to refine your pronunciation as you go along.
A competent, professional image hangs on more than your appearance and body language: your voice can make or break an impression.
We all know the importance and value of our image, but many of us think that means how we look. Think again — People evaluate credibility not only with their eyes, but also with their ears.
We polled more than 50 human resources professionals responsible for phone screenings of job candidates. One of the poll questions read, “What is the strongest indicator of confidence over the phone?”‘ It was surprising to see that 75 percent of respondents said vocal tone was the greatest indicator:
• 75 percent: a strong, supported vocal tone with warmth.
• 2 percent: clear and precise articulation.
• 23 percent: clever, insightful responses.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HOW YOU SOUND:-
Tone of voice is certainly a good confidence indicator, but all three of the factors listed in the poll—tone, articulation and word choice—help build credibility with listeners. We communicate just as much through how we speak as we do through what we say. We can tell if someone is feeling tired, stressed or insecure by her tone of voice. We make judgments about someone’s educational background and economic status based on her articulation and word choice.
This is why today’s administrators feel enormous pressure as spokespersons for their organisations. Their oral communication is under scrutiny. When we feel tired, stressed or insecure, it can affect how we sound. Tension in the body can strangle sound. We don’t breathe or support our sound as we should. It is important to learn how to check those feelings before speaking to a colleague or client.
A LEADER’S VOICE AND SPEECH:-
The most memorable leaders use a combination of charm and authority in their vocal tone, speech and word choice to influence and motivate their audiences. Therefore similarly administrators need to develop strong vocal skills to be able to quickly convey the following:-
An impressive educational background and breadth of experience
A close cultural fit with their organisation
Strong leadership skills
The ability to thrive and survive in high-stress situations
High integrity and loyalty
You can’t rely just on your ideas to convey all these strengths for you. A strong, confident voice with clear articulation says that you are used to positive situations and outcomes, that you are comfortable with yourself and others, and that you deserve to be the leader.
An administrator must be clear and easy to understand, even erring on the side of formality. Naturally, the words should be clear, but the message must also be organized. It’s an administrative requirement to know how to speak in headlines. Don’t jump into the details. Know how to stay high-level.
Administrators should employ the language associated with performance reviews, organisational values and frameworks. As you use those words and ideas, your listeners will start to identify you with them. Reports and employees want their leaders to sound motivated, capable and confident. If you don’t sound like an expert, you may be making the opposite impression.
PROCESS FOR IMPROVEMENT:-
Changing your vocal style is tough work, even with the very best voice and speech trainers to help you along. It’s important to practice new techniques daily, and look for opportunities to put them into play and involve others as supportive evaluators. Look for non-work opportunities (at the drive-through window, with department-store clerks) to practice your elevated way of speaking, so it feels natural before you introduce it at work. Look to your friends, family and networking events as chances to practice.
STRENGTHENING YOUR VOCAL TONE REQUIRES BOTH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ADJUSTMENTS.
Physical:
Stand up or sit up straight.
Breathe deeply; don’t be afraid to pause.
Create more space in your mouth; relax your jaw.
Amplify with healthy vocal support; match intensity and pace as well as you can.
Mental:
Treat the listener as you would a friend.
Don’t underestimate yourself or overestimate your listener.
Convey genuine care.
Treat each interaction as incredibly significant.
THE INABILITY TO ARTICULATE EMOTIONS RESULTS IN CONFUSION & CHAOS, BECAUSE EVENTUALLY THESE UNSAID THINGS MUST COME OUT. WHEN THEY HAVE BEEN HELD IN SO LONG THEY CAN ONLY EXPLODE FROM THE ACCUMULATED PRESSURE. ALL IT WAS ONE SIMPLE, UNCOMPLICATED THING IN THE BEGINNING. ALL THAT HAD TO BE DONE WAS TO STRING IT INTO A SENTENCE OF WORDS, TO ENCIRCLE THE MEANING, AND TO CURL THIS MESSAGE AROUND THE FLYING FOOT OF A BREATH, INTO ANOTHER’S LISTENING SENSES, TO BE UNDERSTOOD. FOR THE MESSAGE TO BE BROKEN DOWN, REARRANGED, RESPONDED TO. YOUR EMBEDDED EMOTION HAS THUS BEEN REALIZED, BEEN CARRIED INTO THE WORLD, AND A LITTLE PIECE OF YOU IS IN EVERYTHING, FOR A LITTLE WHILE, UNTIL YOU MUST SPEAK AGAIN.
