Welcome to the last instalment for the Elegant Values series – Good Speech! I think this is one that we can all work on – I know I need to! This one will be short and sweet so let’s jump right in!
Speak at a Moderate Speed
Speaking too slowly annoys people. Speaking too quickly can be hard for many people to understand. Just like Goldilock’s porridge, the elegant speech sweet spot lies somewhere in the middle. Speak slowly enough to be able to pronounce your words distinctly but not too slowly that your audience switches off before you are finished.
Speak at a Moderate Volume
Speaking too quietly is frustrating, as others will constantly ask you to repeat yourself. But speaking in a loud voice is inelegant and inconsiderate. No one wants to be forced to listen to your conversation. We’ve all had the experience of the loud fellow passenger on the bus or train. It is annoying and disturbs the peace for everyone. Yelling and raised voices are out of line with elegant speech and can be very stressful for those around you. Instead, use a voice that is clear and directed at the person or group you are speaking to.
Pronounce Words Clearly
Don’t mumble or drop off parts of your words. We don’t want our listeners to get an auditory version of the wooden tiles above! When people misunderstand our words, they generally do one of two things. They either ask you to repeat yourself or they simply don’t bother clarifying and guess instead. Either result is not helpful! I know I am guilty of this one myself. I can tend to speak too quickly, meaning my words sometimes drop letters or are unclear. It is definitely not consistent with elegant speech and something I need to work on.
Watch Your Tone
Tone of voice can completely change a conversation. It can also mean the difference between a pleasant sound and a harsh one. Particularly when dealing with the elderly or children, try to make your voice as calm and mid-toned as possible. Avoid a really high pitched voice or one that is too low. Both can be hard to understand or simply grating on the ears.
If you have to speak to someone about a sensitive topic or something that could easily be misconstrued, be very careful to maintain a calm, friendly tone. Anything else could easily be taken as accusatory or condescending. You want your audience to agree with you. You do not want them to put up a defensive wall before they hear you out or feel you are belittling them.
Limit Slang and Avoid Profanity
As much as possible, use the proper words and avoid using slang terms. Slang names for places or people can be viewed as degrading. The last thing you want is to accidentally offend someone with your language choice.
Profanity was always considered highly inappropriate in the presence of a lady. Yet many women today use as much profanity as men. It is simply unnecessary, for either gender. Improve your vocabulary with better adjectives than four letter swear words and maintain your poise when someone annoys you.
That is all for our look at elegant and refined speech! I hope you have enjoyed the Elegant Values series. If you have missed any, you can find them here. Stay tuned for the start of the next series – Setting Up a House!
