Volume
Speaking at the right volume is also very important if you want to get your message across. Whispering to a large group in a big hall would be as unsuitable as shouting at someone who is right next to you.
Activity 6 Speaking at the right volume
Note down occasions when it may be necessary to speak fairly loudly and occasions when you can speak quietly.
Discussion
Compare your answers to these:
Times when you have to speak loudly
- When asking a question after someone has given a presentation.
- When giving instructions to a group of children.
- When speaking to someone with machinery noise in the background.
- When speaking to someone and there’s loud music playing.
Times when you have to speak quietly
- When sitting close to someone.
- When you don’t want other people to overhear.
- When you are in a place where everyone is quiet, like a doctor’s waiting room.
- When someone else is asleep.
You need to be able to raise your voice when speaking in a large room or when a number of people are listening. You may be the sort of person who feels very nervous about speaking to a group of people. Perhaps you’ve never had to do this. There may well be a day when you do have to, though, and there are some practical things you can do to help yourself sound confident. One is speaking loudly enough!