Module Four:
Paraverbal
Communication Skills
MODULE OVERVIEW
Understanding the Importance of
Emphasis
The Power of Pitch
Practical Tips for Modulating Your Pitch
The Truth about Tone
Tips for Creating a Positive Tone
The Strength of Speed
Method for Self-Evaluation
Case Study
Understanding the Importance of Emphasis
Example
Try saying these three sentences out loud,
placing the emphasis on the underlined
word:
"I didn't say you were wrong." (Implying
it wasn't me)"
"I didn't say you were wrong." (Implying
I communicated it in another way)"
"I didn't say you were wrong." (Implying
I said something else)"
The Power of Pitch
Pitch can be most simply defined as
the key of your voice. A high pitch is
Pitch often interpreted as anxious or upset.
A low pitch sounds more serious and
authoritative. People will pick up on the
pitch of your voice and react to it. As
well, variation in the pitch of your voice
is important to keep the other party
interested
Tips to Improve If you naturally speak in a very
Pitch high-pitched or low-pitched voice,
work on varying your pitch to
encompass all ranges of your
vocal cords. One easy way to do
this is to relax your throat when
speaking.
The Truth about Tone
Tone is the combination of various pitches to create a mood
What is Tone?
in communication.
The Impact of Tone affects how a message is perceived and received, and
Tone it can convey emotions and attitudes.
Factors Affecting Speed, pitch, and content all contribute to the overall tone
Tone of a message.
Tips for Creating a Positive Tone
Try lowering the pitch of your voice a bit.
Smile! This will warm up anyone’s voice.
Sit up straight and listen.
Monitor your inner monologue. Negative thinking will seep into the tone of your voice.
The Strength of Speed
Impact on The pace at which you speak also has a tremendous effect on
Communication your communication ability.
Someone who speaks quickly is harder to understand than
someone who speaks at a moderate pace. Someone who
Practical Effects
speaks v-e---r----y s---l-----o---w---l---y will probably lose
their audience’s interest before they get very far!
Speed also has an effect on the tone and emotional quality of
Optimal Speed your message. A hurried pace can make the listener feel
anxious and rushed. A slow pace can make the listener feel as
though your message is not important. A moderate pace will
seem natural, and will help the listener focus on your message.
Method for Self-Evaluation
Record yourself speaking to assess your pitch, tone, and speed. Think of how you would
feel listening to your own voice. Work on speaking the way you would like to be spoken to.
Case Study:
Jasmine was practicing her presentation for her research
project with two colleagues, Omar and Jordan as an audience.
Omar and Jordan were struggling to pay attention. Jasmine
soon grew frustrated and lost some confidence in her
presentation skills. Jordan suggested they identify Jasmine’s
communication issue, and they soon worked out that Jasmine’s
presentation was informative; it was her speaking style which
was the problem. Jasmine realized that she was speaking too
slowly, and was losing the interest of both Omar and Jordan as
her audience. Jasmine tried speaking at a more moderate
pace, and caught their attention. All three went home soon
after, and Jasmine was happy that she enlisted the help of her
colleagues.