Conversationality is the goal of most good presenters. Ratings show that audiences listen to broadcasters who are credible and have the information they need, whether it's a market report or a news item about flood conditions. Evaluations indicate that speakers who sound "real" are highly valued. Audiences want to feel as if they're a part of the process rather than being "preached" at or talked down to.

Part of developing a more conversational sound is how you pronounce and articulate certain words and phrases. For example, one challenge for both the experienced and amateur presenter is that fact that certain monosyllables (a, the, but, and, them, etc.) have at least two different pronunciations depending on how they're used in a sentence. Sometimes a monosyllable is stressed and other times it's unstressed. In an effort to sound "articulate" or "proper" the stressed form is frequently overused.

In the sentence, He began to pace to and fro, the word "to" has two different pronunciations. The first time it's in an unstressed position and should be obscured (tuh). The second time it takes the stressed form (too). Giving unstressed words a stressed pronunciation results in an overly-precise and unconversational sound and gives listeners the impression that you think you're "above" them.

Although you may think you know how the following words should sound, don't judge too quickly. There's more there than meets the eye.

• "a" -- You'll be right 99% of the time if you use the unstressed pronunciation (uh) (uh box of chocolates). Only use the stressed form (long a) when referring to the letter "A" or for emphasis. (I said I'd take a kitten, not six.) Overuse of the stressed form is a major fault of some of the biggest names in broadcasting and a fairly certain sign that a speech has been memorized.
  
  
• "the" -- Use the unstressed form (thuh) before words starting with a consonant (thuh box), but (thee) before words starting with a vowel (thee apple) or for emphasis. (It's the latest thing!) It's also better for your voice and easier to articulate if you slide from "thee" into the word that starts with a vowel (apple, for instance) rather than trying to make it distinct and separate. A voice specialist will tell you that "you're shocking your glottis" and that it can quickly cause strain and tire your voice.
  
  
• "them" -- The unstressed form is clipped (th'm). (I'm going to go see th'm.) The stressed or emphasized form takes a full pronunciation. (I'm going to go see them, not just her.) Make sure that the unstressed "th'm" doesn't deteriorate into "thum." It will often fall into the back of your throat. This not only produces a "muddy" sound, but can cause undo strain on your vocal cords.
  
  
• "and" -- Use the stressed form for emphasis (And, of course, I will.) There are several gradations of unstressed forms. They range from an almost full stress before vowels (snow and ice) to very clipped (rod ‘n gun) or half-way between (man ‘nd boy). Train your ear to hear the differences by listening to people in normal conversation.
  
  
• "that" -- When you want to make a point, use the stressed form for emphasis (It's that man!), but clip it (th't) when unstressed (She's the one th't heard it.)

*****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.]