How's your vocal variety? Sometimes speakers and broadcasters are convinced that they need huge amounts of it to be effective. While it is important to be interesting and keep your listeners' attention some people go too far. They stress practically every third or fourth word, and fall into a repetitive pitch pattern. It almost sounds as if they're singing.

One way to lessen this effect is by finding and stressing the main ideas and subduing the others. It's also important to listen carefully for any habitual patterns. (Broadcasters, listen to/watch your airchecks.) If you can hear it, you're on the way to fixing it.

However, the more usual problem is not enough vocal variety. A monotonous delivery gives listeners the perception that you're tired, apathetic, bored. A rushed style, or one where the pitch gets too high and tense makes people think that you're nervous, uncomfortable, "emotional."

There are four voice variables: pitch, rate, volume and quality. Each is used in varying degrees to add interest to your voice and speech.

The best pitch range is at least 8 notes. A narrow range bores listeners and they'll quickly "tune out." This is more often a problem for men than for women, because men sometimes (consciously or unconsciously) try not to express too much emotion and, as a result, can sound "flat." Although women generally use more pitch variety, they sometimes get into an upper pitch range, stay there too long and can sound "shrill." Try these exercises.

Always work gently when you do voice exercises. The voice may get tired as do other muscles when you use them, but it should never HURT.

• Start on a comfortably low tone and count up the scale as high as you can without straining. Then count back down. Don't "gravel" at the bottom.
  
  
• Starting at your normal pitch, say "I have a good voice." Repeat three times, getting higher each time. Go back to normal and go lower three times.

• If you're a "rusher," practice your material very, very slowly. It should feel painfully slow. When you get in front of the audience you'll probably speed up again, but not to your previous rate.
  
  
• Practice reading stories at an obviously "wrong" pace. Read an obituary very quickly, read the results of the 4-H fair very slowly, etc. Then go back and read them at an appropriate rate. This exercise will sensitize you to feeling what is most "right."

A strong, resonant quality is the ideal, but sometimes you'll need another sound. Use a variety of vocal qualities to make the characters in your stories distinct from one another and the narrator. The same is true for broadcasters who record promos or commercials. It's important to vary your delivery so that they don't all sound the same. Versatility is key.

• Say yes or no in as many ways as you can. Be creative and don't be afraid to be a bit "silly." Vary your rate, pitch, volume and quality.
  
  
• Make a list of emotions and attitudes, then say yes or no to express them. Try some other words as well.
  
  
• Read a news article as different character types: executive, child, sex symbol, snob, etc. Notice how the voice changes. Add some of the new qualities to your speech and/or broadcast.

*****Candice M. Coleman, Ph.D. uses presentations, coaching and learning resources to help business executives and others have more presence, influence and authenticity in their communication. She can be reached by phone at 314-621-9228 or on the Web at www.SayItWell.com.

© Say It Well! Inc. 2002. [Permission is granted to reprint this article provided that complete bio and contact information are included and that a copy of the publication is sent to: Say It Well! Inc., 1822 Hickory Street, St. Louis, MO 63104.]