New
New
Year 11
AQA

Mastering vocal techniques in public speaking

I can consider how the use of my voice contributes to the effective and confident delivery of a presentation.

New
New
Year 11
AQA

Mastering vocal techniques in public speaking

I can consider how the use of my voice contributes to the effective and confident delivery of a presentation.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. It is important to consider and present an appropriate tone for the topic of your speech.
  2. Tone is conveyed differently in spoken language, using facial expressions, body language and voice.
  3. Spoken language should feel slower and slightly louder than everyday speech.
  4. Meaningful pauses can help with pace and emphasise important parts.

Keywords

  • Tone - the emotional quality of a speaker's voice that conveys feelings and sets the mood of the presentation

  • Appropriate - suitable or fitting for a particular situation or purpose

  • Resonate - to have a strong emotional effect or connection with someone or something

  • Sincerity - being honest and truthful in what you say and feel

Common misconception

I can effectively practise my presentation in my head.

Although it is good to think about your presentation, you will need to practise delivering it out loud. This will give you a much better idea of timing and pace.

You may wish to consider how the pupils practise their presentations. This could be completed in pairs or small groups.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which word can be described as: 'the way you hold your body when standing, sitting, or moving.'?
body language
Correct answer: posture
gesture
expression
Q2.
Which of the following best defines tone in public speaking?
the speed at which you speak
the use of hand gestures and facial expressions
the amount of research used in the presentation
Correct answer: the speaker’s attitude or feelings expressed through voice and words
Q3.
Is the answer true or false? Nervousness and excitement do not share any similarities in how they affect the body?
Correct Answer: false
Q4.
Which of the following is not an example of open body language?
standing tall with shoulders relaxed
arms by side
head elevated
Correct answer: body oriented away from the audience
feet planted on floor
Q5.
Box breathing has...
two phases
three phases
Correct answer: four phases
five phases
Q6.
Is the answer true or false? Crossing your arms when nervous will convey confidence when public speaking.
Correct Answer: false

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the vocal technique to its description.
Correct Answer:pause,take a breath after the question

take a breath after the question

Correct Answer:pitch,raise voice when asking question to emphasise

raise voice when asking question to emphasise

Correct Answer:volume,project voice towards the back

project voice towards the back

Correct Answer:pace,slow down to emphasise each word

slow down to emphasise each word

Q2.
What is tone in public speaking?
the speed of your speech
Correct answer: the emotional quality of your voice
how loudly you speak
the length of your presentation
Q3.
Why is getting the tone right important in a presentation?
it keeps your audience awake
Correct answer: it sets the mood and influences how the audience feels
it ensures you don’t forget your points
it makes you speak faster
Q4.
Which of the following could be considered the most appropriate tone for a presentation about a serious topic?
sarcastic
humourous
Correct answer: concerned
dismissive
Q5.
Is the answer true or false? Spoken language should feel slower and slightly louder than everyday speech.
Correct Answer: True
Q6.
Which of the following would not be an effective place to meaningfully pause when delivering a presentation?
after asking a thought-provoking question
after delivering an important statistic
Correct answer: in the middle of a word
before transitioning to a new section