Weeks 3: Vocal Reproduction and Vocal Expressions

VOCAL ASPECTS OF DELIVERY

1. Articulation
- How well and correctly we form our vowels and consonants using our lips, jaw,
tongue, and palate to form the sounds that are identified as speech.
- “Going to” instead of “gonna” or “did not” instead of “dint” are examples of good
versus poor articulation.
- Proper diction is as integral to the English language as proper spelling, but it takes
practice.
2. Pronunciation
- Proper articulation applied to a given word is that word’s pronunciation. The
pronunciation includes how the vowels and consonants are produced as well as
which syllable is emphasized.
- A mispronounced word will obliterate a speaker’s credibility, and the audience’s
attention will be focused on the fault rather than the message
VOCAL ASPECTS OF DELIVERY
(Accent, Dialect, and Regionalisms)
- An accent refers to the degree of prominence of the way syllables are spoken in
words, as when someone from Australia says “undah” whereas we say “under.”
- A regionalism is a type of expression, as when someone says “the dog wants
walked,” instead of “the dog wants to go for a walk.”
- Dialect is a variety of language where one is distinguished from others by
grammar and vocabulary. In Pennsylvania you might hear people say that they are
going to “red up the room,” which means “to clean the room.”
VOCAL QUALITY
• The quality of the voice, its timbre (distinctive sound) and texture, affects audibility and can
affect the articulation.
• Some examples of vocal quality include warm, clear, soft, scratchy, mellow and breathy. •
Each speaker should practice at maximizing the vocal effect of his instrument, which can be
developed with vocal exercises.
• There are numerous books, recordings and trainers available to develop one’s vocal quality
when needed. The quality of one’s voice is related to its range of pitch.
Weeks 4 ARTICULATION & PHRASERING
1. What is Articulation
- Articulation is how clearly the speaker pronounces words.
- Articulation is the physical act of clear vocal expression.
- To articulate refers to the clarity and expressiveness with which you speak
- It includes the ability of a speaker to be coherent and easily understood.
- Articulation involves using proper pronunciation and grammar and using an
appropriate volume and rate of speech.
- To use proper articulation, a speaker must use their articulators: tongue, teeth, lips,
mouth to vary those sounds in tone, volume, pitch, and quality.

2. Technic Articulation:
Articulate. Clear articulation requires deliberate actions such as pausing before
pronouncing a consonant.
•Train your mouth: Make sure the mouth is wide open wide enough for the sound to
come out clearly. This may feel awkward at first, but practice will help in training the
mouth to open wider when speaking.
•Speak up. Increasing your speaking volume not only ensures the audience will hear
us, but also naturally improves articulation. Vocal exercises to train the vocal cords to
speak louder for longer periods of time.
•Inflect your speech. Training your vocal cords will help you avoid speaking in a
monotone. Incorporate utterances with natural rising and falling tones, such as Rise at
the end of a question, lower at the end of a statement.
•Breathe from your diaphragm. This exercise helps improve breathing capacity and
control, provides voice support, and makes it possible to speak more clearly within a
wide a wide vocal range
3. BENEFIT OF IMPROVING ARTICULATION
a) Project Confidence: Being well-articulated makes us appear more confident and
prepared. Audiences also tend to trust speakers who are confident speakers
because they appear to have a good grasp of the material. Therefore, being well-
articulated helps in convincing the audience more effectively.
b) Stand out from other speakers
If we can deliver a well-articulated speech, then the audience can follow and
understand your message clearly.
understand the message clearly. Delivering a speech or presentation that is clearer
and easier to understand than other speeches will make you stand out from other
speakers.
c) Being more articulate can affect how others perceive us.
d) Developing strong speaking skills can help us appear more competent.
4. How To Improve Articulation
a) Listen to ourselves speak, this can be done by:
 Recording ourselves while speaking.
 Listen to ourselves and identify areas where we can improve, such as
sharpening our pronunciation and eliminating filler words.
 Ask close friends and family to listen and provide feedback.
b) Check speed
 Strong articulation involves knowing how to use the right speed of speech.
 Speaking faster shows passion and urgency; but too fast will make it
difficult for others to understand and follow our thoughts.
 Speaking slower showing seriousness and emphasizing a point; but too
slow shows lack of confidence or not mastering the material.
 In general, speaking speed = 120 - 150 words per minute.
 Make a conscious effort to speed up or slow down to reach a pace that
appeals to the audience.
c) Watch for unnecessary words
 Try to eliminate filler words ("um," "like" and "okay.“)
 Don’t add substance and may distract the listeners.
d) Use pauses effectively
 Pauses are useful as a strategic way to emphasize certain points and allow
us to organize our thoughts before speaking.
 Pauses give the listener time to think about our final statement.
 It shows the seriousness or importance of the subject.
 Pauses are also good to use before responding to comments or questions to
provide a clearer, more focused answer and ensure we give a thorough,
thoughtful and appropriate response.
e) Practice pronunciation
 Certain words or sounds may be challenging for us, so practice
pronouncing words every day, focusing on each syllable and sound and
emphasizing the correct part of the word.
f) Varying the pitch
 Pitch refers to how high or low we speak.
 To improve articulation, try varying the pitch throughout your speaking to
sound more natural and conversational.
g) Speak at the right volume
 Choose an appropriate volume when speaking to others.
 Turn up the volume when speaking in front of a large crowd or turn down
the volume when having a small, private meeting.
h) Develop self-confidence
 Find activities that give us a mental boost so that we feel more sure of
ourselves before an important discussion.
 Increased confidence can help reduce nervousness.
 Reducing anxiety can improve our focus, memory, and ability to speak
clearly and directly.
 5. What Should We Do Before Beginning Articulation Exercises?
 Before we begin working on diction exercises, give ourself a five-minute
facial massage to loosen up the new muscles that we will be using.
 Massage our lips as well, and do some tongue circles, both inside our mouth
and around the outside

Weeks 5 [STAGE ACT (HOW TO CONQUER FEAR]

1. Understanding Stage Fear
Understanding stage fear is recognizing the emotional and physical responses that
occur when someone is about to perform in front of an audience. This fear is common
and affects people in various performance settings, such as public speaking, acting,
singing, or presenting at work.

2. Key Strategies for Conquering Stage Fear

a) Preparation is Key: The more we practice, the more confident we'll feel. Know
the event schedule, key names, and rehearse our script to reduce anxiety.
b) Practice Breathing Techniques: Controlled breathing calms our nervous. Before
going on stage, take deep breaths to lower our heart rate and stay focused.
c) Use Confident Body Language: Stand tall and use purposeful gestures. This
not only projects confidence but also helps we feel in control.
d) Focus On The Message: Don’t worry about how you look or sound. Focus on
delivering your message; the audience is there for what you have to say, not to
judge you.
WEEKS 6-7 [CREATING MC SCRIPT (FORMAL AND INFORMAL MC SCRIPT) ]
1. Formal MC Script: This type of script is structured, and uses respectful language
suitable for formal events such as corporate meetings, ceremonies, or conferences. It
includes precise introductions, clear event transitions, and courteous phrases to
maintain a professional tone.
a) Here’s a step-by-step guide for creating a formal MC script:
1) Greeting: Start with a polite greeting. Address the audience with phrases like,
“Good [morning/afternoon/evening], distinguished guests, ladies and
gentlemen.” Introduce yourself if necessary: “My name is [Name], and I am
honored to be your host for today’s event.”
2) Opening Remarks: State the purpose of the event concisely, showing
appreciation to the audience for attending. Include a formal opening, e.g., “We
gather here today to celebrate [event purpose] and honor [mention any special
guests or occasion].”
3) Outline the Agenda: Briefly inform the audience about the schedule and
order of events. Use phrases like, “First, we will begin with [activity or
speaker], followed by [next part of the event].”
4) Introduce Speakers and Segments: Formally introduce each speaker or
segment with titles and any relevant accomplishments. Use respectful
phrasing, such as, “Please welcome our esteemed guest, [Speaker’s Name],
who will speak on [topic].”
 5) Transition Smoothly: Prepare phrases to transition between segments without
abrupt changes. For example, “As we move forward, let us welcome [next
speaker/activity].”
6) Closing Remarks: End with gratitude to all participants and the audience. Use
formal expressions, like, “Thank you all for attending and contributing to the
success of this event. We look forward to seeing you at future gatherings.”

2. Informal MC Script: An informal script is more relaxed and conversational, often

used in casual or social events like parties, entertainment shows, or community
gatherings. It aims to engage the audience with a friendly, lively tone, using humor,
enthusiasm, and personal interaction.
a) Creating an informal MC script involves a relaxed, conversational style that
keeps the audience engaged and entertained. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1) Warm Greeting: Start with an upbeat, friendly greeting. “Hey everyone!
Welcome to [event name]! I’m [Name], and I’m super excited to be here with
you today!”
2) Fun Opening Remarks: Set a fun tone and explain the event’s purpose
briefly. Use humor if it suits the crowd.
Example: “We’re here to [celebrate/learn/have fun] and make this a day to
remember!”
3) Brief Agenda Overview: Mention the event structure in a lively way. “First
up, we have [activity or speaker]. Then, we’ll keep things rolling with [next
part].”
4) Introduce Speakers and Activities Casually: Use friendly phrases. “Let’s
give it up for [Speaker’s Name], who’s here to share some great insights!”
5) Engage the Audience Throughout: Keep the energy up by interacting with
the audience. “How are you all feeling? Ready for more?”
6) Casual Closing Remarks: Thank the audience and end on a high note.
“Thanks for being awesome! Hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!”
This informal approach keeps the tone light, encourages audience
participation, and adds personality to your hosting style.

Week 9-10 [BODY LANGUAGE, GESTURE, FACIAL EXPRESSION OF AN MC]

A. BODY LANGUAGE

1. What is the Body Language?

Body language or body movement is a movement that a person makes without
realizing it and without any engineering. The term body language according to
Merriam Webster Dictionary is “the gestures, movements, and mannerisms by which
a person or animal communicates with others.”
2. Types of Body Language
 Hand and finger movements
 Block walking (walking from one place to another)
 Appropriate facial expressions
  Movement of the head in accordance with the message to be addressed (e.g.
nodding, head banging, looking up, etc.)
 Good posture (slouched, upright, or regular)

3. The Importance of Body Language

Body language has the role of enhancing the effectiveness of speech when done
correctly and in proportion. Public speaking is an activity of verbal communication
and nonverbal communication done simultaneously. So, it is important to understand
the types of body language and be able to demonstrate them when becoming a public
speaker.
4. How to Learn Good Body Language?
 Pay attention to facial expressions.
 Observe eye movements.
 Look at the movement of the lips.
 Watch the movement of the feet and hands.
 Look at the body posture.

B. FACIAL EXPRESSION OF AN MC
A Master of Ceremony's (MC) facial expression refers to the way an MC uses their
facial muscles to convey emotion and energy that resonates with the mood of the
event and connects with the audience. These expressions help set the mood,
encourage engagement, and support the message the MC is delivering.

Here’s what facial expression for an MC typically includes:

1. Smiling: Smiling can convey the friendliness, warmth and confidence of an MC.
A friendly smile also helps to create a positive atmosphere, making the audience
feel comfortable and engaged from the start.
2. Eye Contact: Eye contact demonstrates confidence and attentiveness, signaling to
the audience that the MC is present and focused on them. An MC should maintain
strong eye contact to build rapport with the audience.
3. Friendly Face: Maintaining a friendly and inviting facial expression is essential
for an MC. A relaxed yet alert face, rather than a tense-looking face shows that
the MC is approachable and engaging.
4. Expressive Eyebrows: Eyebrows play a role in showing emotion and expression.
Raised eyebrows can express excitement or surprise, while lowered or relaxed
eyebrows can convey sincerity or seriousness.
5. Controlled Expressions for Tone Shifts: An MC can use contemplative or more
neutral expressions for serious or emotional moments. This helps the audience to
shift their own mood in response to the MC's cues.
6. Excited or Energetic Expression: An enthusiastic expression, with a big smile,
wide eyes, and perhaps slightly raised eyebrows, conveys excitement and energy,
perfect for building momentum or encouraging audience applause.
 https://youtu.be/RqHeJdgC1go?si=8ckKjiUsZ4lEb3tV Video

1. Title: How to be a Great Event MC (15 Tips From The World’s #1

Seminar MC) by Devon Brown (he was the world’s number-one live
seminar MC. He’ve gotten to share the stage with people like Tony
Robbins and Dean Graziosi, and Les Brown, ect
2. Video about: This video is about 15 Secrets to becoming an Outstanding
Event MC. In this video, Devon Brown shares his experiences and provides
practical advice for those who want to be a successful MC at various types of
events, such as seminars, weddings, and product launches.
Tips:

Key Tips Discussed in the Video

 Do Your Homework on the Event: Research the
event and its audience beforehand to tailor your
approach effectively.
 It’s About the Event, Not You”: Focus on the
Event, Not Yourself: Remember that your role is to
serve the event and its attendees rather than promote
yourself.
 Come With More energy that The Room, but Not
So Much That you Blow Them Out of the Water:
Bring More Energy Than the Room: Arrive with energy
that slightly exceeds the audience's level to engage
them without overwhelming them.
 The MC Should be the Best- Dressed Person in
The Entire Event: As an MC, you should be the best-
dressed person at the event, reflecting professionalism.
 Arrive Early and Make Sure You do Your Sound
Check and Feel the Stage: Get to the venue ahead of
time to conduct sound checks and familiarize yourself
with the stage.
 Mix with the Crowd Beforehand: Interacting with
attendees before going on stage helps build rapport and
eases nerves.
 Script Your Opening (Fav) : Plan your opening
remarks carefully to set the tone for the event and
manage audience expectations.
 Talk to the Speakers Beforehand: If possible, talk to
speakers ahead of time to understand their content and
how best to introduce them.
  Be Confident With Your Mess-Up: Own any slip-ups
during your presentation; it can add humor and
relatability, so be confident, have fun, and own your
mess-up.
 You’re an MC, Not a Comedian. Remember Your
Role as an MC: Focus on facilitating the event rather
than performing a comedy routine.
 When You’re not on Stage, Study Or Interact With
the Audience. Even when not on stage, remain active
and helpful, as your role continues throughout the
event.
 Learn How to Have Fillers and Learn How to Kill
Time: Prepare engaging content or stories to fill time
during technical difficulties or delays.
 Be There for The Event Host: Always ask how you
can assist the host to ensure everything runs smoothly.
 End As Strong As You Started: Conclude the event
with an uplifting message or story that resonates with
the audience. End with something Uplifting and
something Inspirational
 Be Authentic: Be yourself and incorporate your unique
style into your presentations while learning from others.

Conclusion
 Devon emphasizes that becoming an outstanding
emcee requires preparation, adaptability, and a genuine
connection with both the audience and event
organizers. His tips aim to equip aspiring MCs with
practical strategies to enhance their performance and
ensure successful events. The video serves as a
motivational guide for anyone looking to improve their
skills in public speaking and event hosting.

Opinion: In my opinio, Devon Brown’s video on becoming a great event MC is

packed with useful and realistic advice. I love how he breaks down each tip with
real-life examples, making it easy to relate to and apply. He really emphasizes that
the focus should be on the event and the audience, not on showing off. Devon’s
approach to staying prepared, like researching the event, doing sound checks, and
engaging with the crowd beforehand, shows how small details make a big
difference. Plus, his tips on balancing energy, dressing professionally, and being
confident—even when mistakes happen—are great reminders that authenticity and
preparation are key to being a memorable MC. Overall, this video is a solid guide
for anyone wanting to improve their public speaking and MCeeing skills.