Broadcast Media Notes Chapter 4 Sections 4.6 – 4.10

Vocal Development Announcer voices considered excellent are usually well-developed in three areas: 1. Speak in a lower range with a pleasing voice 2. Pace of speaking makes it easy for the listener to comprehend 3. Speak with exceptional clarity

Elements of Vocal Development The elements that you have some degree of control over are: Volume Volume Pitch Pitch Rate Rate Tone Tone

Volume The loudness or softness of your voice. Contributes to the perception of energy and enthusiasm a performer communicates to the audience Contributes to the perception of energy and enthusiasm a performer communicates to the audience Practice reading scripts in a variety of volumes to get the feel of it Practice reading scripts in a variety of volumes to get the feel of it Don’t rely on the volume control on the audio console to boost your voice Don’t rely on the volume control on the audio console to boost your voice Projection – the process of pushing sound at of your mouth Projection – the process of pushing sound at of your mouth Listen to Audio Clip 4.1

Pitch The highness of lowness of your voice Early radio required a deep, bass voice. Today, it’s desirable to use your full pitch range, with emphasis on the lower portion of your voice Early radio required a deep, bass voice. Today, it’s desirable to use your full pitch range, with emphasis on the lower portion of your voice To speak as low as you can for any length of time puts a strain on your voice To speak as low as you can for any length of time puts a strain on your voice In general, lower-pitched voices are more pleasant than high-pitched voices In general, lower-pitched voices are more pleasant than high-pitched voices

Rate The number of words delivered during a given period of time as a script is read While there is no correct rate, typical “out loud” delivery usually falls in the range of words per minute (wpm), with 160 wpm being the accepted broadcast pace. While there is no correct rate, typical “out loud” delivery usually falls in the range of words per minute (wpm), with 160 wpm being the accepted broadcast pace. The higher your speaking rate, the more likely it is you will make mistakes and be harder to understand The higher your speaking rate, the more likely it is you will make mistakes and be harder to understand In broadcasting, the speaking rate will often be determined by the amount of copy you have to read in a certain amount of time (120 words in 60 seconds) In broadcasting, the speaking rate will often be determined by the amount of copy you have to read in a certain amount of time (120 words in 60 seconds) Listen to Audio Track 4.3

Tone The quality of sound that is made (also known as the voice’s timbre) Learning to use resonance (vibration) is key to developing a good broadcast voice Learning to use resonance (vibration) is key to developing a good broadcast voice Read “Tone” on pg. 65