Public Speaking Information


Does Uptalk Make you Upchuck?


Uptalk is invading the work place and is reaching epidemic proportions.  It's that singsong speech pattern that has a rising inflection at the end of sentence. It sounds like the speaker is asking a question instead of making a declaration.

Once the exclusive domain of teens, it is now a regular part of the adult world. And I don't mean Generation X. It's everywhere.  It can be heard even at management levels and it's destroying their credibility.

Uptalk renders the speaker weak, tentative, lacking conviction and authority.
How can a person influence, lead, or command respect if they can't take a stand and sound like they mean it?

I've even heard it at networking meetings. It sounds like this: "Good morning. My name is Jane Doe? " Well is that your name or isn't it?
It takes seven seconds or less to make a first impression. Would you do business with someone who isn't sure of his/her own name?

According to one study, the voice is nearly 40% of the message. You can convey a message through your intonation alone! Next time someone asks a question, respond with a yes or no with only your tone. They will understand what you meant.

If you ask for a raise using uptalk you will remain at your present salary. If you try to sell a product, you will fail. If you direct your staff, they won't follow. Why? Because uptalk makes you sound like there are other options!

What causes a communicator to choose this pattern of speaking?

Habit. We don't always hear the way we speak and the affect it has on others. When I was invited to do a chat on ivillage.com,  I posted my article, Ten Ways Women Sabotage Their Communication in the Workplace.  Thinking these tips did not apply to her personally, a woman emailed  the tips to her friend  Her friend sent them back to her saying, "You have uptalk."


Foreign/Regional Accent.
If you are from the Southern United States or from a country like Canada, India or China, you may have a rising inflection as part of your cultural speech pattern. This is more difficult to change but can be conquered with ear training, practice, and professional coaching.

Peer Identity. This is most often the case with teens and children. They tend to identify with the group and will adapt the speech patterns they hear on television as in the case of the show Clueless. Many parents are frustrated by their attempts to teach their children to speak correctly. Uptalk is a way of sounding like their peers and not like their family.


Insecurity. The voice is the greatest barometer of emotions. When you lack confidence it will show up in the voice. In our politically correct environment people are becoming less willing to take a stand. By using "safe words" and a rising inflection, the speaker can easily back petal or soften the real intent of the message. In selling, a fear of rejection may show up in the form of uptalk.


 There is no value in using uptalk. When you bring your voice down at the end of a sentence, you will automatically sound more authoritative and confident. People will hear the conviction in your voice and will take you seriously. Your credibility will improve and you'll be more persuasive.

Copyright Diane DiResta 2001. All rights reserved.


Diane DiResta, President of New York-based DiResta Communications, Inc. is an International speaker, coach, and author of Knockout Presentations:How to Deliver Your Message with Power, Punch, and Pizzazz. (Chandler House Press). http://www.diresta.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Toastmasters: Here to help you quash your fear of public speaking
Moody County Enterprise, SD - Nov 18, 2008
BY RYAN WOODARD Jerry Doyle has started a local chapter of the public speaking club Toastmasters International, which has members all over the world. ...


Public Speaking Is Not Worse Than Death
dBusinessNews Triangle (press release), NC - Nov 19, 2008
DURHAM, NC November 20, 2008 — Many people fear public speaking, yet it can be an extremely effective method for marketing your business’s services. ...


WELT ONLINE

A Complex Knot of Conflicts
Washington Post, United States - 4 hours ago
Those familiar with the talks said they covered a range of concerns, including the former president's profitable public speaking, his global investment work ...
Video: Hillary Will Get SOS Nom Soon CBS
Clinton signs for Obama's dream team Independent
Hillary Clinton weighing secretary of state post The Associated Press
This is London
all 3,709 news articles


Cheyne is Toastmaster champ
Burlington Union, MA - 20 hours ago
Have you ever wanted to develop your public speaking skills? Mary Cheyne, a Somerville resident and member of The Last Word Toastmasters Club in Burlington, ...


Reviving a Novel-Worthy Tale of War and Religion
New York Times, United States - 5 hours ago
At home and away, the young boy was also trained in horseback riding, public speaking and fighting skills. All would prove crucial. ...


Community calendar
San Jose Mercury News,  USA - 15 hours ago
Hosted meetings to help people improve their public speaking, critical thinking and leadership skills. East Hills Community Church, 12000 Campus Drive. ...


Program to focus on public speaking
The Reporter, WI - Nov 14, 2008
RIPON — Jody Roy, professor and chair of the communication department at Ripon College, will present a program on public speaking and perfecting ...


The Boss Inspired by Mom
New York Times, United States - 4 hours ago
When I was 16, my mother said the biggest thing that had helped her in her life was when her mother and father asked her to take a public speaking class. ...


Public speaking course essential for repertoire
Kaleidoscope Online, AL - Nov 10, 2008
Cecil Betros, professor of communication studies at UAB, believes it is important for students to take part in a public speaking course. ...


Carlisle, Davidson tops in Poetry Out Loud
Gulf Coast Newspapers, AL - 1 hour ago
Davidson said she loves public speaking so she didn’t have a problem reciting before the judges—particularly because she “practiced it constantly. ...

Public-Speaking - Google News

home | site map
© 2007