When it comes to the speaking voice, tone deals with the expression of a mood or emotion. In relation to your delivery, your tone can have a surprising influence on how your theme or topic is perceived. If you were to give a motivational speech, your tone would be different from a master’s level course on 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’re really trying to say.
I worked with a woman who always sounded distant when answering her phone. In truth, the tone of her voice made her sound disinterested. While there is no doubt that she was bored with her current position, her tone when talking to others, be it her colleagues or potential 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, her tone of voice never said that.
When I was teaching graduate students at the University of Western Ontario, it was fascinating to listen to these talented young people deliver the news. Many of them told the story of a murder in the same tone of voice they used to announce Stanley Cup winners or talk about a boy’s heroic saving horses from a burning stable. Each of these stories requires a different tone of voice.
Also, your facial expression can also change depending on your tone. Your brow may furrow when you talk about the murder; his face may show joy as he describes the Stanley Cup winners’ last-minute goal; and his facial features can be softened when talking about the heroism of the 9-year-old boy.
Without color, your presentation, whether at the podium or just in conversation, will be dull. Setting the wrong tone, however, can be just as devastating as a delivery devoid of emotion, life, or expression. If I tell my dog she’s mean but use an attractive tone of voice, she’ll think I’m pleased with her. Similarly, if I spoke to her in an angry tone, but told her she’s a good bitch, she’ll still think I’m upset with her.
By working on expressive delivery skills with my clients, I teach them how to paint a picture with their voice. For anyone who listens to audiobooks, this is a technical standard that the reader will use to add interest, allowing the listener to ‘see’ what the reader is saying. Take that advice one step further and be mindful 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 excitement or do you sound bored? It is also possible that you are not aware of your tone.
The next time you plan to give a presentation, a toast, a eulogy, an acceptance speech, or if you’re just introducing another speaker, record yourself and listen to the tone of their voice. Does it match what you’re trying to say or is it telling a different story?
