Non Verbal

Presenting Effectively: Vocal & Nonverbal Communication

Kerith Woodyard Department of Communication

Delivery:

Vocal & Nonverbal Communication

Main Ideas:

Oral Communication vs. Written Communication The Voice in Delivery The Body in Delivery

Oral vs. Written Communication

Lecturing is a form of audience-centered oral communication that differs in important ways from written communication.

Oral vs. Written Communication

Unlike written communication, oral communication allows for immediate listener feedback.

The listener may provide the speaker important visual cues (i.e. non-verbal indicators of agreement, confusion, skepticism, keen interest, etc). The speaker is responsible for adapting to the listener’s nonverbal cues.

Oral vs. Written Communication

Unlike written communication, oral communication cannot be “reread.”

Listeners have only one opportunity to absorb the speaker’s message. The speaker is responsible for facilitating audience understanding through the use of “audience helpers”:

Simple and clear organization Preview and summary statements Clear labeling of points Signposting

Vocal & Nonverbal Communication

The Voice in Delivery (Vocal Communication) The Body in Delivery (Non-Verbal Communication)

The Voice in Delivery

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Volume Vocal Variety Rate Pauses Articulation

The Voice in Delivery

Volume

Project your voice enough to be heard easily without overpowering your audience. Adjust your volume to account for variables such as room size, audience size, & background noise.

The Voice in Delivery

Vocal Variety

Avoid a monotonous pitch or tone. Vary your pitch to show enthusiasm for your subject and to promote audience attentiveness.

The Voice in Delivery

Rate

Speak at a comfortable, easy-to-follow pace. Look for non-verbal cues from the audience that your rate may be too fast.

The Voice in Delivery

Pauses

Make use of strategic pauses (i.e. to allow the listener adequate time to take...