Need of the Hour
Proper pronunciation, articulation, diction and building
a good vocabulary should be high on your self-
improvement list. Whether at home, or at work we are
continuously talking, talking, talking. It is important to
realise that each of us can improve the way we talk. Haven't
you noticed that whenever two or more persons meet, they
automatically run quick checks drawing instant conclusions
on how the others look, dress, smell and sound? That is
why in face-to-face interactions, it isn't enough to be just
physically attractive because the moment you open your
mouth to speak you either confirm or deny an initial
impression. If you sound timid and shy, you may perhaps
be seen to be timid and shy. If you slur on words, fade off
at the end of sentences, or speak incoherently, in al
probability you may be viewed as a slopp
conversationalist. If you sound harsh and rough you ma
be viewed as rude and crude. Or, if you sound confiden
and polished you may be viewed as such.
It is important for you to know that you have a familiar:
voice and a natural voice. Your relatives, friends an
colleagues recognise your voice because your voice.
familiar to them. You 'are also familiar with your own voice
But your voice which others hear is different from the on you hear when you speak. That is so because you hear your
voice as it echoes through your fixed and flexible resonators,
while to the others, your voice is transmitted directly. To
know how you sound to others you must record your speech
drills and listen to them. Your familiar voice may not be
your natural voice because most of us have never given a
thought to voice modification training.
In this chapter, we will look at the essential ingredients
that go into the making of an accomplished speaker. To
begin with, you will need to know the basic rules of
pronunciation, volume, pitch and speed. And then a few
tips on how to relax before speaking or reading aloud.
| Rules for Pronunciation Accepting that there are many exceptions to pronunciation rules, the following rules may be beneficial in offering you broad guidelines. Whenever you have a doubt, look up a good dictionary, as well as, seek the guidance of educated people among whom you live. Also, bear in mind that dictionaries have to be changed and up-dated from time to time. |
Rules for Vowel Sounds
In an accented syllable ending in a vowel, the vowel
has its long sound, for example: ba-sin; mo-ment;
(there are exceptions, such as fa-ther).
In an accented syllable ending in a consonant, the
vowel has its short sound, for example: mag-net;
eit-y; re-pub-lic.
Final silent e following a single consonant of an
accented syllable indicates that the preceding vowel
in the syllable characteristically has its long sound,
for example: tame; convene; invite; promote; dispute;
style.
Doubled consonants approximate a single sound
which is regarded as part of the accented syllable, for
example: matter; different; pepper.
In solid compound words composed of two
monosyllabic words, such as bookcase; ragman;
postman; firemen, etc. each element retains its original
pronunciation and the first element has a slightly
heavier stress.
The misery of mankind that has a name -
And it is wholly and for ever theirs.
SOPHOCLES - Oedipus Rex
CEDRIC M. KENNY is a• specialist in oral and aural
communication skills, and behavioural-interpersonal
relationships. He is corporate trainer and consultant, voice
and language instructor, student motivator, family and
career counselor, author, academician and education
advisor.
CEDRIC M. KENNY conducts customised Training &
Development (T &0) workshops in several metros, towns
and cities across the country. Some of the workshops
include:
• English Language Proficiency (phonetics, pronunciation,
diction, inflection, intonation, and voice modulation).
• Power Grooming & Business Etiquette for Corporate
Executives.
• Public Speaking & Presentation Skills.
• Effective Communication Skills (verbal, non-verbal &
written).
• Touch Excellence (study methodologies, leadership skills
& personality development for students)
• Home School Home (workshop for parents & teachers
to ease student-stress and bridge the home-school
divide).
Cedric M. Kenny is the founder and managing director of:
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