The power of voice: 6 frequent voice errors

On the subject of speech as a realization of language, the following are the most common phenomena used in seminars, workshops on Further Training and of course in the corporate reality are always an issue, to be briefly presented.

Dialect can also be an advantage

For example, dialect versus standard language is a well-known discussion and subject more often Ask in seminars; one is demonized, the other praised. As is so often the case, the truth lies somewhere in the middle here – the mix is ​​decisive.

If a consultant works in an outspoken dialect region and maybe even comes from that area, it is certainly an advantage if you can hear that. Therefore, the same applies here: the topic is the extension of the range of competences. That a consultant speaks standard language, I assume as an employer.

A problem of syntax

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Everyone already has People have to listen to, which sound very eloquent, but afterwards you hardly understood anything, and you can't remember the whole thing at all.

The reason is often quite simply a syntax problem, the sentences are simply too long. This is often the result of the (hopefully unconscious) position: How do I know what I mean before I hear what I say?

The listening capacity is overstretched

A text by Heinrich von Kleist is titled: "On the Gradual Processing of Thoughts While Speaking". The result in these cases is always:

People's ability to listen, for one Presentation is intended or in one Meeting sitting at the table is overused.

It is about reducing complexity

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There are investigations, according to which half of the listeners can no longer follow a sentence with more than 13 words.

With such overlong constructions, consultants, but also politicians and university lecturers, for example, violate an iron principle: In many cases, their work consists of reducing complexity - but not increasing it.

Do my listeners understand me? 6 frequent voice errors

The consequence, however, is not to simply form shorter sentences and to work in a very small step, but should look like this: the comprehensibility of one's own utterances is constantly checked.

For example through an intensive (Eyes-) Contact with the communication partners. On this basis, formulations can be adapted again and again.

1. volume

Those affected have no perception of their own volume, are either too quiet or clear too loud.

In the first case, they have great difficulties with presentations, for example, in large rooms or in front of many listeners. - Too loud, on the other hand, seems strange when the - few - participants in a negotiation sit together at a table.

2. nasality

Part of the production of speech slides upwards, so to speak, takes place in the nasal cavity, which then leads to a voice reminded of a severe cold.

This often sounds unpleasant, but what is more serious is the sound of the voice and with it Effect (e.g. spatial effect) are lost or severely impaired. Here you have to learn to (re)achieve the full sound of your voice, which, for example, is high when you make a phone call Significance hat.

3. Sigmatismen

The so-called s-errors, ie deviations from the standard at / s / and / ss /. In most cases the tongue between the teeth and the back of the upper incisors is used.

In young children, the corresponding sound is often rated as 'cute', and it seems rather embarrassing to experienced company directors.

4. harsh speaking

The production takes place too far back in the pharynx - not in the throat, but the auditory impression suggests this; typical of many dialects, often leads to indistinct speech, is perceived as very withdrawn, demands are increasing.

5. lateral speech

Spoken is too much on the left or right, almost from the corners of the mouth. What everyone can try:

If the tip of the tongue does not strike the gap between the upper incisors, but has some contact with them, the sound will sound different; often heard in pronounced dialect regions (Moselfränkisch).

6. dysphonia

Dysphonia is not uncommon. This means either too quiet, breathy, very weak speaking (hypofunctional), or exactly the opposite: 'the voice sounds very strained, scratchy, hoarse, rough, is often too loud, you can use the pressure with which you speak, often even see (hyperfunctional);

The latter can be heard, for example, by footballers, by teachers, by people who have to communicate in the open, or by people who suddenly have to talk to large groups in a new professional context.

In extreme cases, the voices are irreparably damaged by the physiologically incorrect use. By the way: In the Middle Ages this disease was called "preacher sore throat", today it is a well-known phenomenon in all speaking professions, and this includes consultants.

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