Para-linguistics

The study of extra-linguistic noises that accompany the languageThese noises are also called

vocalizations

Manner of Communication: Non-Verbal Vocal Cues

• Voice Delivery( Quality, Tone, Pitch, Rate, Volume, Speaking Speed/tempo)

• Voice Modulation• Articulation• Pronunciation• Accent• Stress• Intonation• Pauses• Vocalized Pauses• Silence

Voice Delivery

• Quality– Characteristic that distinguishes one’ voice from

another– Varies:• Rich & alluring• Hoarse & husky• Thin & Nasal etc.

Voice Delivery

• Tone – The quality of voice

Voice Delivery

• Pitch– Rise and fall in the voice– Essential to convey the varieties in emotion– Well-balanced & well-suited pitch results in a clear

and effective tone– High-pitched voice is often unpleasant and

suggests immaturity or emotional disturbance– It is always better to begin softly in a low pitch and

raise the volume and pitch as and when required

Voice Delivery

• Rate– Speed of words per minute– Normal rate: 120-180 WPM– Depends on:• the complexity of the material• Mood of the speaker• Will to create an impact &• Composition of the audience

Voice Delivery

• Volume• Loudness or softness in voice• Adjusted according to these two factors:– Acoustics of the room– Number of the audience

• Too high volume exhibits: boorishness, insensitivity & lack of self-command

• Too low volume exhibits: shyness

Voice Delivery

• Speaking speed/tempo– The factor of speech– Speaking speed is increased when something

interesting is being told– Speaking speed is reduced when a difficult idea is

being explained– Rapid speech indicates excitement

Voice Modulation

• Modulation:– Conveys varieties in emotions– Brings flexibility and vitality to the voice

• Absence of Modulation leads to monotony• Modulation is regulated by Varying and

adjusting the tone, pitch & volume of the voice

Articulation

• One of the several causes of mispronunciation• Speaking sounds according to the accepted

norms• Speaking words with clarity and forcefulness

so that they are individually audible and discernible

• Avoiding sloppiness in speech

Pronunciation

• Accepted standard norms of Speaking the sounds• It is R.P. (Received Pronunciation)• Also known as Queen’s English/Oxford English• Correct and clear pronunciation is important • Indicates that the speaker is careful and has

consideration for the audience• To pronounce correctly, individual sounds should

be enunciated in the correct manner giving proper word stress

Accent

• The way in which a person pronounces the sounds of a language.

• Every language has its own accent or way of forming sounds as it includes one’s own MTI

• Good accent is not imitation of someone but speaking with clarity so that one is understood

• Good accent is learnt by listening to native speakers of the language

Stress

• The prominence given to a particular syllable when speaking a word

• It changes the meaning and implication of the word

• Stress on a different syllable gives a different implied meaning

Intonation

• The sound pattern of sentences• Each language has its own intonation

Pauses

• Pauses are used at the end of certain thought units

• Pauses:– Lead to better comprehension– Exhibit confidence & control

• Pauses should be timed properly

Vocalized Pauses: Speech Breakers/Non-fluencies

• Vocalized pauses should be avoided• e.g. um-ur, ah, uh, ahem, huh, ah-ha, oh

hesitations, prolonged pauses• Vocalized pauses:• Make the speech evasive & untruthful, and• Make the speaker appear deceptive or

circumspect

Silence• Very effective way of communication• Not a negative absence of speech but a positive withdrawal or

suspension of speech• A difficult method of communication as it takes a good deal of self-

control and self-confidence to be able to hold one’s tongue • Can be very embarrassing if it is not possible to interpret it• May indicate several things:

– acceptance– Uncertainty– Sympathy– Anger or displeasure– Much discomfort– puzzle

Benefits

• Closely allied to language. Messages are incomplete without it

• Sufficiently dependable indicator of the speaker's place • Tells quite clearly about the speaker's educational

background• Speaks volumes about the speaker's regional

background• Gives us useful clues regarding the speaker's mental

state• Has important educational value

Limitations

• Cannot be fully relied upon• Improper blending of what is said and how it

is said makes it difficult to get the exact content of the message

• May unnecessarily prejudice , misguide or mislead the receiver

• Difficult to achieve uniformity as speakers belong to different speech communities