Hand Out in Oral Com - Pronunciation
Hand Out in Oral Com - Pronunciation
QUARTER 2/ WEEK 6
Learning Competency
Articulation and Pronunciation are two interrelated concepts when it comes to oral
communication which are sometimes being used interchangeably. However, each carries its own
specific meaning and being able to make this distinction will enhance the ways of communication.
Articulation is the term used for all actions of the organs of the vocal tract that effect
modifications of the signal generated by the voice source. This modification results in speech
events which can be identified as vowels, consonants other phonological units of a language. In
other words, this is how the sound of the letters is being made through our speech organs.
Pronunciation, on the other hand, refers to the ability to use the correct stress, rhythm, and
intonation of a word in a spoken language. A word may be spoken in different ways by various
individuals or groups, depending on many factors. These factors include the place you grow in,
the place you are living in, the kind of ethnic group you live with, or your education. Having speech
or voice disorder can also affect your pronunciation. Always remember that knowing how to
properly produce sounds and pronounce words will lead you to becoming an articulately good
speaker.
To help you better with being articulate, here are the 8 Must-Follow Secrets to Improve
Your Speech by ReadersDigest.com:
1. Listen to Yourself Speak. We know it’s terrifying, but nothing will squash those verbal ticks
quite like listening to yourself speak. Record yourself in a natural conversation; for example, replay
a conference call or have a friend interview you on tape. Listen for technical issues, such as filler
words, up talk, monotone, and run-on sentences, as well as any habits that sound awkward or
uncomfortable. Identifying the problem is the first step toward tackling it.
2. Monitor Your Speed. It should be near the minute mark, says Carol A. Fleming, author of It’s
the Way You Say It. “Aim for about 155 to 175 words per minute for normal conversation,” she
writes. If you’re reciting background information or summarizing something, pick up the pace. If
you're explaining something more technical, slow it down.
3. Eliminate Filler Words. If you're wondering how to be more articulate, it's probably because
you've caught yourself over-utilizing words such as “um,” “like,” and “ahh,” which can make you
sound unsure and inarticulate. Replace these fillers with more eloquent transitions, suggests Forbes
contributor Selena Rezvani. “One of the functions of “Um” is to tell your audience that you’re not
done talking yet and need to gather your thoughts," she writes. 'Let’s move on to…', 'Another
important consideration is…', and 'Let’s transition to talking about…' are great replacements.
4. Focus on the Final Sound. Avoid trailing off or mumbling by making a conscious effort to
fully pronounce each syllable. Pay special attention to the Ts in contractions and the final words
of sentences.
5. Study Other Speakers. Articulate speakers learn from other articulate speakers. Need
inspiration? Find a radio show or podcast you enjoy, and analyze the host's speech. He or she has
likely squashed any verbal ticks, and can help you identify effective patterns of speech.
6. Speak with Confidence. How to be more articulate? Speak with confidence. Even if you’re
talking on the phone, the way you hold yourself impacts the way people perceive your ideas.
Extend your vocal cords by keeping your chin parallel to the floor and sitting up straight, and avoid
moving your hands too much (studies show keeping them folded on the table projects
trustworthiness).
7. Think Before You Speak. Perhaps the most important trick for more articulate speech? Know
what you’re talking about. Having a clear idea of what you want to say will allow you to organize
your thoughts into a coherent structure. It's that simple.
8. Address Your Weaknesses. Once you've identified your weaknesses, create a plan for
addressing them. One strategy is to tackle a specific issue each day. For example, focus on
eliminating filler words on Monday, and on completing your sentences on Tuesday. Repeat the
process each week until speaking clearly becomes second nature.
Once you've mastered the art of speech, you are now ready to grip the mic and take on the stage.
MODULATION
Learning Competency
Voice modulation is the skill which helps you to put emotion into the message you want
to convey. In speaking, it helps you to decorate your sentence with the expression, proper emotions
perfect use of the pitch, change in volume and timing. When you control or adjust your voice from
low to a loud whisper in order to make your tone more appealing and basically make your voice
more dramatic when you adjust the pitch up and down you are modulating. Modulation makes
your speech interesting to listen to and it is what makes the words and phrases captivating. By
modulating your voice, it facilitates the understanding of your speech. Thus, it can be used to
enhance emphasis in words, with rising and lowering tones that add subtle meaning to your
message.
Why is it important for a public speaker to master the art and skills in voice modulation?
1. Pace or Speed: Rapid or slow speech should be used sparingly and cautiously, but there will be
timing that varies in between the very fast and very slow.
2. Pitch or Depth of Voice: The pitch is how high or low you speak. When delivering a speech,
you can create a variety in your voice as well as make certain words stand out.
5. Volume: Project your voice so that your audience who are seated in the last rows in the room
will hear you audibly.
6. Emphasis: Place some stress or focus on the key words or syllables to provide contrast to your
words and to bring out their desired meaning.