Volume1, Issue 6 - July 2000
Communication
Noises

Have you ever listened to someone and couldn't understand what they were saying because of the way they were saying it? Communication Noise. The words of the message get lost because of the 'noise' the voice is making? If you've ever turned the television channel on Fran Drescer (The Nanny), you know exactly what I mean.

Here are 5 tips to rid yourself of "Communication Noise":

Remember, it's not only what you say, but how you say it. It doesn't matter how "good" your information is, if you speak in a demeaning, soft-spoken or preachy tone of voice, you will lose your credibility and probably your audience.

1.
A high pitched, "squeaky," or "airy" voice
Here are two exercises to lower and strengthen your voice:
  1. Practice humming "eeeee" with your stomach muscles slightly tensed. Try to get the sound to vibrate behind your eyes and nose. Alternate from humming at higher pitches down to lower pitches, gradually deepening the lower pitches. You will soon find the deeper tones slightly easier to create.
  2. Read aloud, varying your pitch, including lower levels you may not normally use. Periodically stop to take a few relaxing breaths and roll your head around comfortably. This will keep you feeling "loosened up" and will encourage you to relax your jaw, neck, and vocal chords.
2. No pauses, or lengthy pauses.
Many people overlook the power of the well placed "two second" pause. It is long enough to be noticed, and short enough so you appear in control, deliberate and thoughtful rather than unsure and distracting. Let your words sink in. Slow down for the important points. Research indicates that a fast rate of speech can have positive and negative impact. People prefer speakers with a fast rate of speech (above the norm of 125 to 250 wpm); but if it is too fast, audiences become frustrated. So, speed up periodically to carry your audience along.

** Note: A high voice, as well as speaking too rapidly indicates nervousness; thus the reverse, a slower, lower tone, conveys confidence.

3.
Match your listener's speaking pace.
  Speaking more quickly may cause discomfort and a "rushed" feeling; speaking too slowly will lose attention and may make you less credible. If you're going to err, however, it is safest to speak more rapidly. Research shows that those who speak more rapidly are perceived as being more intelligent that those who speak more slowly.

4.
Match your listener's volume levels.
Matching the other person's volume allows them to feel more comfortable. This seems sensible: the challenge is to work at it in your upcoming conversations.

5.
Refine your diction.
  Commit to record yourself during actual conversations. This sounds cumbersome, but will clearly identify your "weak spots" You can then easily begin to correct them. Remember when you were a child, the letter "LMNOP" was not five separate letters, it was said as just one. Also, many people use the "are" instead of "our" (That is are car). Say the words ambulance or library. Are you using all the letters - or are you saying abliance and library?
For more information on Communication Skills, contact Rhonda Scharf (Finniss), Professional Speaker, Trainer & Consultant at ON THE RIGHT TRACK - Training & Consulting (613) 821-0953 or Rhonda@on-the-right-track.com.

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