Public Presentation: Using Your Voice

Presented by Dr. Tamara Fudge

August 2, 2016 @ 8 pm ET

Kaplan University Writing Center

Please click here to view this recorded workshop:

http://khe2.adobeconnect.com/p11aosrssc5/

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Overview

Microphones

Your environment

Preparing what to say

Vocal technique

Vocal health

Ways to avoid fear

A few recommendations for speaking in person

This presentation focuses mostly on speaking/presenting online.

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The Microphone

External

Headset (earpiece may be monophonic or stereo)

Desk-mounted

Does it plug in to the sound card input or a USB port?

(Lander, n.d.)

3

The Microphone

External

Headset (earpiece may be monophonic or stereo)

Desk-mounted

Internal

Laptop

Webcam

Smart phone

http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000650.htm

To check if your device has an internal microphone

(Lander, n.d.)

4

Audio Production

Using the microphone:

Experiment with distance; typically best not too close to your mouth to avoid

exploding consonants

Position the mic in the way it was intended

(“15 Steps for recording at Home”, 2013)

Use your on-off switch if you have to cough.

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Audio Production

Controlling the Environment

Use a room that has some natural acoustic treatments such as carpet,

drapes, upholstered furniture, etc.

Turn off fans, television, and any other controllable noises

Avoid the middle of the room, where there are “standing waves”

(“15 Steps for Recording at Home”, 2013)

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Preparation

Write a transcript

Use friendly language

Limit industry jargon, depending on your audience

Practice

Exhibits professionalism

(Ciccarelli, 2015)

Seasoned speakers might not use a full transcript, but will at least develop a

detailed outline.

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More about transcripts

Benefits:

Help to avoid unnecessary vocalizations or awkward silences

Ensure staying on topic and covering all ideas

Difficulties:

Practice enough that it does not seem like you are reading. Some deviance

from the wording is okay.

Recorded presentations and materials sent to stakeholders need transcripts to meet

accessibility requirements.

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Your Voice

Three components:

Respiration (breathing system)

Sound generation (approximation of the vocal folds)

Resonation (throat, mouth, tongue, etc. “shaping” the sounds)

(Sundberg, 2006)

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Posture and Breathing

Three areas for breath intake

Clavicular

Thoracic

Abdominal

Focus effort on the abdominal diaphragm

Straighten your body axis

Spine

Head, jaw, chin position

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Voice Control Factors

Placement: natural resonance in the “mask”

Variable elements:

Volume: loud ↔ soft

Pitch: high ↔ low

Tempo: fast ↔ slow

Inflection: avoiding a monotone delivery by emphasizing appropriate

words/phrases

Work for balance

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Voice Control Factors

Articulation (Clarity of consonants and vowels)

Tongue

Teeth

Jaw/mouth

Pronunciation (Correct phoneme choices and syllabic emphases)

Not sure? Look it up.

Practice more difficult words.

Do not be too concerned with your regional accent.

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No Fear

Prepare your transcript or outline carefully.

Practice speaking in front of a friend, your cat, and/or the mirror. Work on breath

and voice control and especially practice the beginning of the presentation.

Practice with the technology.

Use a relaxation method. Ideas:

Moderate physical exercise like walking. Stretch.

Deep breathing, meditation.

Mental exercise like playing a calm game.

(Fudge, 2008).

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No Fear

It is normal to:

Feel uncomfortable with your first several attempts at speaking in public.

Make mistakes. Even seasoned presenters will not be close to perfect!

Need extra help?

Try Toastmasters: https://www.toastmasters.org/

Talk to your physician.

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Vocal Health

Abuses include but are not limited to:

Yelling, shouting, forced sound

Vocal fatigue

Excessive harsh coughing and throat-clearing

Potential results:

Nodules, and potential surgery

Change in vocal quality/tone

Temporary or permanent loss of voice

(LaPine, 2008).

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Vocal Health

Keep your voice healthy:

Practice good speaking habits (breath, posture, etc.)

Hydrate (drink water)

Limit alcohol intake

Do not smoke

Understand your medications

Avoid overuse and abuse

Get vocal rest

Eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, find ways to lower stress, and listen to

your doctor

(“Advice for Care of the Voice”, 2002).

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When Presenting in Person

Consider:

Your body language

Appropriate dress

Use of notes or an outline (do not simply read)

Visual elements like PowerPoint

Handouts

Interaction (will depend on the kind of presentation)

(Swathi, 2015).

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Thank you! Any Questions?

Prof. Tamara Fudge

tfudge@kaplan.edu

School of Business and Information Technology

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References

15 tips for recording at home. (2013). Retrieved from

http://bluemic.com/blog/2013/10/15-tips-for-recording-at-home/.

Advice for care of the voice. (2002). Retrieved from

http://www.texasvoicecenter.com/advice.html

Ciccarelli, S. (2015). How to plan your podcast. Retrieved from

https://www.voices.com/resources/articles/podcasting/plan-your-podcast.

Fudge, T. (2008). Dr. Tamara Fudge’s guide to public speaking … tips to minimize

the fear as you present in public. Retrieved from

http://fudgelink.com/gen/speaking.html.

Lander, S. (n.d.). Types of microphones you can connect to your PC. The Houston

Chronicle. Retrieved from : http://smallbusiness.chron.com/types-

microphones-can-connect-pc-70330.html.

LaPine, P. R. (2008). The relationship between the physical aspects of voice

production and optimal vocal health. Music Educators Journal, 94(3), 24-29.

Sundberg, J. (2006). Vocal tract resonance. In Vocal Health and Pedagogy. Baken,

R. J. & Sataloff, R. T., eds. San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing.

Swathi, T. S. (2015). The importance of effective presentation for organizational

success. IUP Journal Of Soft Skills, 9(2), 7-21.

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