Better Communication Can Begin with Native-born Speakers – Part 7

Big Three Sensible Strategies for Improving Verbal Communication

We’ve been talking about the creative use of words to minimize non-comprehension.  Here are three big ones to keep in mind about voice volume and intonation.

1.      When you speak to someone for whom English is a second language, speak slowly and always pause slightly before, during, and after saying a proper noun such as your name, the name of a company, a state, or a country. Also pause between numbers.   (My cell number is 862 — 778 — 1234).

2.       Use more intonation (expression) for emphasis so the listener will hear a specific word stand out from the others.  (The picnic is Saturday, rain or shine)

3.   Let the listener hear the ends of your words, as well as the beginnings — carry that voice energy all the way through the word. Try to avoid fast sentences with contractions.  Complete the word production!

If you keep these simple techniques in mind when you speak to someone you anticipate might have difficulty understanding you, you will find that everyone’s level of frustration becomes lower.  You can use the same techniques for speaking with the elderly.