When it comes to the spoken voice, pitch refers to the expression of a state of mind or emotion. In relation to your presentation, your tone can have a surprising influence on how your topic or subject is perceived. If you were to give a motivational speech, your tone would be different from a master’s degree in horticulture.
While the tone depends to some extent on the color of your speech, your facial expression, and your body language, your mood or emotional state may convey a different message than what you are actually trying to say.
I worked with a woman who, when answering her phone, always sounded distant. In truth, the tone of his voice made her sound disinterested. While there is no doubt that she was bored with her current position, her tone in speaking to others, whether it was her colleagues or prospective clients, gave her listeners the feeling that she was a cold person. Nothing could have been further from the truth. This woman was very warm and very nice; however, his tone of voice never said that.
When I was teaching graduate students at the University of Western Ontario, it was fascinating to hear these talented young men deliver the news. Many of them reported a murder story in the same tone of voice they used to announce Stanley Cup winners or to talk about a boy’s heroic saving of horses from a burning barn. Each of these stories requires a different tone of voice.
Furthermore, your facial expression can also change based on your tone. You may frown when you talk about the murder; his face can show joy when describing the last minute goal of the Stanley Cup winners; and his facial features can be softened by talking about the 9-year-old’s heroism.
Without color, your delivery, whether on the podium or just in conversation, will be boring. However, setting the wrong tone can be as devastating as a delivery without emotion, life, or expression. If I told my dog that she is mean, but with an attractive tone of voice, she will think that I am satisfied with her. Likewise, if I spoke to her in an angry tone, but told her she’s a good bitch, she’ll still think I’m mad at her.
By working on expressive delivery skills with my clients, I teach them to paint a picture with their voice. For anyone listening to audiobooks, this is a standard technique that the reader will use to add interest, allowing the listener to “see” what the reader is saying. Take that advice a step further and become aware of your tone as well.
Is the tone of your voice attractive or does it tell others that you are not interested? If you are describing a wonderful adventure, does your tone convey your excitement or does it sound boring? You may also not be aware of your tone.
The next time you plan to give a presentation, toast, eulogy, acceptance speech, or if you are just introducing another speaker, record yourself and listen to the tone of their voice. Does it match what you are trying to say or is it telling a different story?
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