When evaluating volume, keep in mind that a good speaker will adjust to the size of both the room and the audience. Of course, with an amplifying device like a microphone, the speaker can use a natural tone. But speaker should not be dependent on microphones. A good speaker can speak loudly without shouting.
The second element, pitch is related to the highness or lowness of the sounds. High pitches are for most people more difficult to listen to. So, in general, speaker should use the lower registers of their voice. During a presentation, it's important to vary pitch to some extent in order to maintain interest.
The third element, pace, that is how fast or slow words and sounds are articulated should also be varied. A slower pace can be used to emphasize important points. Note that the time spent not speaking can be meaningful too. Pauses ought to be used to signal transitions or create anticipation. Because a pause gives the listener time to think about what was just said or even to. predict what might come next, it can be very affective when moving from one topic to another.
What I'd like you to do now is watch and listen to a videotape and use the forms I gave you to rate the speaking voices you hear. Then tonight, I want you to go home and read a passage into a tape recorder and evaluate your own voice.
According to the professor, what can a speaker do to keep an audience's attention?
A.Speak very loudly.
B.Ask questions frequently.
C.Vary tone, volume, and speed of speech.
D.Limit the speech to fifteen minutes.