Thread Academy

Using Your Voice

Control pace, volume and emphasis to keep listeners engaged.

  • Define and explain Using Your Voice in your own words
  • Use key terms such as discourse marker accurately
  • Apply what you have learned to new examples and questions
  • Avoid the common mistakes learners make with this topic

This lesson focuses on Using Your Voice: control pace, volume and emphasis to keep listeners engaged.

Definition: Using Your Voice

Control pace, volume and emphasis to keep listeners engaged.

Key ideas

Your voice is an instrument

Pace, pause and emphasis change how words land. Slow down for important points, pause before a key idea, and stress the words that matter. A monotone voice sends listeners to sleep, however good the ideas.

Plan before you speak

Even a short talk needs a plan: one clear opening line, two or three main points in order, and a strong final sentence. A plan stops you rambling and gives you confidence when nerves strike.

Key term — discourse marker: A word or phrase that organises speech, such as firstly, however and in conclusion. Markers act as signposts for your listener.

Worked example: Using Your Voice

Why should you slow down for your most important point?

So the listener has time to absorb it and recognises that it matters.

Answer: So the listener has time to absorb it and recognises that it matters.

Common mistakes
  • Speaking too fast when nervous Nerves speed everyone up. Practise pausing — it feels long to you but sounds confident to listeners.
  • Reading every word from notes Notes should be bullet points, not a script. Reading aloud sounds flat and stops you looking at your audience.

Practice

What is your audience?
Who is listening?

The people you are speaking to.

Name two discourse markers you could use in a talk.
Think firstly...

Any two of: firstly, in addition, however, in conclusion.

How do you disagree politely in a discussion?
Attack the idea, not the person.

Disagree with the idea, not the person — for example, I see it differently because….

What is wrong with reading a talk word for word from a script?
Think about your voice.

It sounds flat and stops you engaging with your audience.

Quick check

Using Your Voice — quick check

Which of these best defines "discourse marker"?

A word or phrase that organises speech, such as firstly, however and in conclusion. Markers act as signposts for your listener.

How can you include a quiet person in a discussion?

Invite them in by name, for example: What do you think, Sam?
Key takeaways
  • Using Your Voice: control pace, volume and emphasis to keep listeners engaged.
  • Your voice is an instrument: Pace, pause and emphasis change how words land.
  • audience: The people listening to you.
  • Watch out for: speaking too fast when nervous
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