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      Mastering vocal techniques in public speaking

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can consider how the use of my voice contributes to the effective and confident delivery of a presentation.

      Key learning points

      1. It is important to consider and present an appropriate tone for the topic of your speech.
      2. Tone is conveyed differently in spoken language, using facial expressions, body language and voice.
      3. Spoken language should feel slower and slightly louder than everyday speech.
      4. Meaningful pauses can help with pace and emphasise important parts.

      Keywords

      • Tone - the emotional quality of a speaker's voice that conveys feelings and sets the mood of the presentation

      • Appropriate - suitable or fitting for a particular situation or purpose

      • Resonate - to have a strong emotional effect or connection with someone or something

      • Sincerity - being honest and truthful in what you say and feel

      Common misconception

      I can effectively practise my presentation in my head.

      Although it is good to think about your presentation, you will need to practise delivering it out loud. This will give you a much better idea of timing and pace.

      Teacher tip

      You may wish to consider how the pupils practise their presentations. This could be completed in pairs or small groups.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which word can be described as: 'the way you hold your body when standing, sitting, or moving.'?

      body language
      Correct answer: posture
      gesture
      expression

      Q2.
      Which of the following best defines tone in public speaking?

      the speed at which you speak
      the use of hand gestures and facial expressions
      the amount of research used in the presentation
      Correct answer: the speaker’s attitude or feelings expressed through voice and words

      Q3.
      Is the answer true or false? Nervousness and excitement do not share any similarities in how they affect the body?

      Correct Answer: false

      Q4.
      Which of the following is not an example of open body language?

      standing tall with shoulders relaxed
      arms by side
      head elevated
      Correct answer: body oriented away from the audience
      feet planted on floor

      Q5.
      Box breathing has...

      two phases
      three phases
      Correct answer: four phases
      five phases

      Q6.
      Is the answer true or false? Crossing your arms when nervous will convey confidence when public speaking.

      Correct Answer: false

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the vocal technique to its description.

      Correct Answer:pause,take a breath after the question

      take a breath after the question

      Correct Answer:pitch,raise voice when asking question to emphasise

      raise voice when asking question to emphasise

      Correct Answer:volume,project voice towards the back

      project voice towards the back

      Correct Answer:pace,slow down to emphasise each word

      slow down to emphasise each word

      Q2.
      What is tone in public speaking?

      the speed of your speech
      Correct answer: the emotional quality of your voice
      how loudly you speak
      the length of your presentation

      Q3.
      Why is getting the tone right important in a presentation?

      it keeps your audience awake
      Correct answer: it sets the mood and influences how the audience feels
      it ensures you don’t forget your points
      it makes you speak faster

      Q4.
      Which of the following could be considered the most appropriate tone for a presentation about a serious topic?

      sarcastic
      humourous
      Correct answer: concerned
      dismissive

      Q5.
      Is the answer true or false? Spoken language should feel slower and slightly louder than everyday speech.

      Correct Answer: True

      Q6.
      Which of the following would not be an effective place to meaningfully pause when delivering a presentation?

      after asking a thought-provoking question
      after delivering an important statistic
      Correct answer: in the middle of a word
      before transitioning to a new section

      To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Mastering vocal techniques in public speaking, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...