SHARMA's BLOG: TYPES OF VOICES - Firm voice & Unattractive voice

SHARMA's BLOG: TYPES OF VOICES - Firm voice & Unattractive voice: TYPES OF VOICES - Firm voice & Unattractive voice A firm but a quiet voice is an asset to a speaker. Cultivating a firm but a quiet v...

TYPES OF VOICES - Firm voice & Unattractive voice

TYPES OF VOICES - Firm voice & Unattractive voice

A firm but a quiet voice is an asset to a speaker. Cultivating a firm but a quiet voice is an art. You have to practice hard to achieve a certain level of expertise. It pays rich dividends to the possessor of such a voice. It makes ones‟ utterances very persuasive. Speakers with this voice quality command greater attention as people like listening to them.

Unattractive voice

Unattractive voice can drive people away from them. The shrill voice gets on people‟s nerves. Swan is beautiful to look at and has a graceful body but it possesses a shrill voice. A loud woman sounds very derogatory – the audience would not like her speech either. The unattractive voice can be further classified as below:
(i) Harsh voice
It may arise from the tension in the throat muscles. Practice deep breathing and other exercises to relax throat muscles. Try and practice speaking at a low pitch. Speakers should open mouth just enough for throwing the voice to the audience.
(ii) Shrill voice
If the voice is shrill, it is difficult to overcome the deficiency without the help of a speech therapist.
(iii) Nasal voice
A nasal twang can spoil ones‟ voice and make it unpleasant to listen to. The persons with a nasal voice should pay attention to improve the quality of their voice. In no case should one become self-conscious. Please remember that natural flow and smoothness of words is the best.

TYPES OF VOICES - Pleasing voice

TYPES OF VOICES - Pleasing voice

A pleasing voice is the first requirement of a „charming speech‟. The future managers and leaders must cultivate it assiduously.

A well-established person in the field of organizing successful international conferences wanted to diversify into management development programmes. He went into a strategic alliance with another senior person who had a big name in the field of organizing management development programmes. Being a junior partner in

the alliance, management development specialist used to go out of the way to encourage participation of the senior partner. Unfortunately, his voice crackled quite an Abit. Appearing for the same audience with his junior partner led to poor feedback about the senior partner. Obviously, the partnership did not last long and was terminated on the most flimsy grounds!
It is said that the voice of a perfect lady „ravishes all senses‟. She can wield a great deal of influence on her listeners!

TYPES OF VOICES

TYPES OF VOICES

Several notable types of voices are:
 Baby voices
 Pleasing voices
 Firm voices
 Unattractive voice

(1) Baby voices
The moment a baby is borne, it starts communicating. A newly born baby expresses itself through „gurgling sounds‟. Mothers can make it out soon. Experienced mothers can guess very accurately from the sounds a baby makes, whether it is hungry or has wetted the bed or is just missing the presence of someone.

Equally, even babies, at a very early stage, are able to distinguish between tones of its parents - whether it is endearing, playful or unpleasant.

Pet dogs respond to the tones of their masters very faithfully – they go by the way something is said rather than understand the verbal command. It is surprising how accurate they are in their interpretation of their masters‟ commands. For example:

 Pet animals obey promptly the „stern voice‟ of their masters
 Pet dogs start wagging their tails to a „loving voice‟
 Pet dogs can start jumping to a playful tone of their masters‟ voice
At other times, they start licking the master.

SHARMA's BLOG: IMPORTANCE OF VOICE

SHARMA's BLOG: IMPORTANCE OF VOICE: IMPORTANCE OF VOICE The critical role of voice in oral communication cannot be over-emphasized. Following findings of a study are both i...

IMPORTANCE OF VOICE

IMPORTANCE OF VOICE

The critical role of voice in oral communication cannot be over-emphasized. Following findings of a study are both interesting and revealing:

What you say - 07 % (mostly hearing)
How you say - 38 % (hearing and seeing)
Body language - 55 % (seeing)

From the above, it is evident that „what is said‟ is not as important as „how it is said‟. And „how‟ is greatly influenced by the reproduction of sound waves, their transmission, and reception by the listeners.
The quality, tone, and texture of your voice and the manner and speed of its delivery have a major role in influencing the audience. Combined with other etiquettes/mannerism, „how it is said‟ is over five times more effective than „what is said‟.

PARALINGUISTICS - VOICE POWER

The human voice has been hailed as the „organ of the soul‟. Human beings are very fortunate to have been blessed with the ability to produce, modulate and throw the voice in the way they desire to influence the audience. With devotion and practice, they can reproduce the voices of different animals, birds etc. They are also able to replicate the sounds of different musical instruments.
Voice is an important part of ones‟ personality. A talented manager could not progress much in his career because he had a squeaky voice. Another erudite person wanted to become a trainer but because his voice crackled often, it failed to make the right impression on his wards. There are also instances when a hoarse or husky voice was thought to be very seductive and women with a husky voice could easily command attention in party circuits.

SHARMA's BLOG: PARALINGUISTICS - VOICE POWER

SHARMA's BLOG: PARALINGUISTICS - VOICE POWER: PARALINGUISTICS - VOICE POWER The human voice has been hailed as the „organ of the soul‟. Human beings are very fortunate to have been b...

PARALINGUISTICS - VOICE POWER

PARALINGUISTICS - VOICE POWER

The human voice has been hailed as the „organ of the soul‟. Human beings are very fortunate to have been blessed with the ability to produce, modulate and throw the voice in the way they desire to influence the audience. With devotion and practice, they can reproduce the voices of different animals, birds etc. They are also able to replicate the sounds of different musical instruments.
Voice is an important part of ones‟ personality. A talented manager could not progress much in his career because he had a squeaky voice. Another erudite person wanted to become a trainer but because his voice crackled often, it failed to make the right impression on his wards. There are also instances when a hoarse or husky voice was thought to be very seductive and women with a husky voice could easily command attention in party circuits.

SHARMA's BLOG: PARALINGUISTICS

SHARMA's BLOG: PARALINGUISTICS: PARALINGUISTICS  The literal meaning of „para-‟ is „like‟; the subject relates to a field that is „like language‟. It is not a language ...

PARALINGUISTICS

PARALINGUISTICS 

The literal meaning of „para-‟ is „like‟; the subject relates to a field that is „like language‟. It is not a language because it does not involve any words. However, no words can be spoken or sung without the sound that accompanies it. It is non-verbal communication, known as „vocal communication‟. Without it, words do not convey the intended meaning. Thus the entire subject of communication has three distinct components:

 Verbal is what of the message i.e., words
 Vocal is how of the message i.e., the voice of the speaker
 Visual is the supportive body movements without which a face-to-face message is incomplete.

SHARMA's BLOG: KINESICS - Walking styles

SHARMA's BLOG: KINESICS - Walking styles: KINESICS - Walking styles Style of walking can help detect the type of personality traits of individuals. However, walking style alone s...

KINESICS - Walking styles

KINESICS - Walking styles

Style of walking can help detect the type of personality traits of individuals. However, walking style alone should not be used as the determining factor. This has to be taken together with other postures, gestures etc. Some of the common styles of walking are:

(i) Walking with hands in pocket
This is a portrayal of a macho image. He may be shy, withdrawn and critical of happenings around.
(ii) Walking with hands in pocket, disorganized walk with head bent
The person may be depressed.
(ii) Walking with hands in pocket, disorganized walk and kicking an
imaginary object
The person might be upset and angry.
(iv) While walking, his eyes are focused on the ground
The person is lost in his thoughts.
(v) While walking, his eyes are focusing on the air
He is pre-occupied and is looking for a solution to problems.
(vi) Strutting style of walking
He is a person of extreme certainty of opinion and very confident of himself.

SHARMA's BLOG: KINESICS - Hands and arms together

SHARMA's BLOG: KINESICS - Hands and arms together: KINESICS - Hands and arms together Hands clenched together indicate a position of frustration like a salesperson having lost a deal. Var...

KINESICS - Hands and arms together

KINESICS - Hands and arms together

Hands clenched together indicate a position of frustration like a salesperson having lost a deal. Various gestures that are common are:

(a) Sitting with hands clenched in front of the face
If the hands are held high, it is more difficult to handle him.

(b) Sitting on the desk with hands clenched but resting on the table
It is also a sign of frustration but perhaps to a less degree

(c) Hands clenched in the lap while sitting or hands clenched in front of crotch while standing
It is also a sign of frustration but to a still lower degree.

(d) Sitting with elbows resting on the table but hands going up in a steeple
This posture is common among speakers who talk while sitting. The person is giving his ideas, opinions, and views. If given at the end of a long session with a salesperson, it signals the closing of the deal. When this position is taken with head tilted back, it indicates that the talker is assuming an air of smugness or arrogance.

(e) Sitting in a lounge chair but hands going down in a steeple
This gesture is common among those who are listening to someone. Women take this position more than men.

(f) Arms at the back with one hand gripping the other hand
This is a common gesture among the royalties across the nations, policemen on the beat, principals on their round of the school etc. This is a gesture of superiority or confidence. It lets people expose their stomach, heart and neck areas as acts of fearlessness unconsciously.

(g) Arms at the back with one hand gripping the other forearm just above the wrist
It shows that the person is angry about something and he is gripping the wrist to restrain himself.

(h) Arms at the back with one hand gripping the other upper arm
It shows that the person is very angry and is trying to exercise a greater degree of control by gripping the upper arm. It might happen when someone is made to wait very long after the appointed time. Perhaps that is the origin of the idiom, „Get a good grip on yourself‟.

SHARMA's BLOG: KINESICS - Arms

SHARMA's BLOG: KINESICS - Arms: KINESICS - Arms Arms are often used as barriers to defend ones‟ position or to hide self. A few common gestures involving arms are as bel...

KINESICS - Arms

KINESICS - Arms

Arms are often used as barriers to defend ones‟ position or to hide self. A few common gestures involving arms are as below:

(a) Standard arm-cross gesture
When both hands are folded across the chest, an attempt is to hide from unfavorable situations. It is a universal gesture signifying a negative or defensive attitude. When a person is among strangers in public meetings, queues, cafeterias, lifts etc, people feel uncertain and insecure.
A simple but effective method to avoid this is to hand the person a pen, a book or something that forces him to open his arms. Another method is to reach him and ask if he wanted to ask a question. Successful salespersons do not proceed with the presentation about their product until they have uncovered the reasons for customer folding his arms.

(b) Reinforced arm-cross gesture
If in addition to the above he has clenched his fists with a red face, a verbal or physical attack is imminent. A submissive palm opens up approach is required to discover the reason if it is not known already.

(c) Arms folded and gripping the upper arms
Often the arms are gripped so tight that fingers and knuckles turn white because the blood circulation is cut off. This gesture is common among people waiting in doctors‟ / dentists‟ clinics. A first-time traveler prior to the plane taking off also exhibits this gesture as it shows negative restrained attitude.

(d) Arms folded in front and thumbs pointing vertically upwards
When a young executive among unfamiliar people does a handshake with the top boss and then stands aside with arms folded with thumbs pointing vertically upwards, it represents a defensive gesture but with a cool approach. It reflects self-confidence with folded arms giving a sense of protection

(e) Arms folded partially in front with one hand in the other
This is a partial arm-cross barrier and often seen in meetings among strangers. It is a common gesture used by people who stand before a crowd to receive an award or give a speech. This gesture reminds people of their childhood days when parents held his hand under fearful circumstances!

SHARMA's BLOG: KINESICS - Double handshakes

SHARMA's BLOG: KINESICS - Double handshakes: KINESICS - Double handshakes These are also happening with a great deal of regularity. A few of the gestures fall under the intimate lev...

KINESICS - Double handshakes

KINESICS - Double handshakes

These are also happening with a great deal of regularity. A few of the gestures fall under the intimate level of relationship and may not be useful in business and formal arena. A few well-known ones are:

(a) Glove (politician) handshake
The gesture means that the receiver of handshake holds your hand with both the hands. The person is trying to give the impression that he is sincere and trustworthy. However, if this is done with someone who is not known, the person should become cautious and suspicious.

(b) Left hand on the wrist while shaking with the right hand
The left hand is used to show sincerity, trust, and depth of feeling.

(c) Left hand on the forearm near the elbow while shaking with the right hand
Higher the level of the point at which the left hand is while shaking with the right hand, more intimate and intense are the feelings being conveyed.

(d) Left hand on the upper arm while shaking with the right hand
This takes the handshake into the area of the personal/intimate zone. It may not be used in business and other similar interactions.

(e) Left hand on the shoulder while shaking with the right hand
This takes the person into a more personal and intimate zone.

KINESICS - Handshakes

KINESICS - Handshakes

Shaking hands is a relic from the old caveman age. Whenever they came out of their cave and saw others, they shook their hands to let the other persons know that they are not carrying arms. Over time, this got modified into a handshake that involves interlocking and shaking of palms. Internationally, this has become a popular way of greeting on meeting and once again, when departing excepting some older civilizations as in India where „namaskar‟ is still popular.

There are several types of handshakes:

(a) Normal (Equal) handshake with thumbs pointing sideways
It indicates a good grip with a good degree of professionalism in approach. It reflects equality in attitude and behavior. All managers and leaders must learn how to do handshake professionally.
(b) Handshake with your thumb on top of the other person‟s hand
It suggests you are in control of the situation
(c) Handshake with another person‟s thumb on top of your hand
It means that the other person is in control
(d) Handshake with the person offering a hand with open palm pointing downwards
It suggests that the person is presenting a dominant handshake. To counter it, the other party should catch the hand from the top and shake it. With this, the other party becomes the dominant partner!
(e) If offered a dominant handshake, step forward with left foot
When the second party steps forward on the left foot, it allows him to strengthen the handshake position. The second party can even turn other people ‟s hand into a submissive position.
(f) Handshake with right foot forward
Most persons are right footed and they move forward to the right to shake hands. It enables the person to step into the other person‟s intimate zone and brings the handshake to a vertical position for equal exchange
(g) Knuckle grinding (tight) handshake
It is a tight handshake and indicates a rough and tough guy. It should be avoided in social interactions.
(h) Dead-fish handshake
It is an uninviting handshake – the hands are cold, sweating and lifeless. Such persons are weak and socially not groomed. It gives one the feeling of dampness and being uncomfortable. Many persons using this handshake are not aware of it. They should ask their friends before deciding which one to adopt as a habit.
(i) Fingertip-grab (limp) handshake
The other person mistakenly grabs the tips of the fingers. It indicates a diffident person, not groomed socially. If intentional, a person has a weak personality and wants to keep the other person at arm‟s length.
(j) Informal handshakes
This happens among friends. A preliminary to this handshake is the banging of hands midair before doing an informal handshake.
Another version of it is that the handshake begins with the index fingers, moves on to the little fingers and then to the thumbs, before interlocking in to a warm handshake.

SHARMA's BLOG: KINESICS - Hands

SHARMA's BLOG: KINESICS - Hands: KINESICS - Hands Hands, palms etc form visible parts of the upper half of the body. They are used more frequently than the other parts a...

KINESICS - Hands

KINESICS - Hands

Hands, palms etc form visible parts of the upper half of the body. They are used more frequently than the other parts and are detailed below:
(i) Hands
A few common movements are:
(a) Clenched hands in a sitting position
It normally signifies determination. However, in interviews, it is a sign of nervousness.
(b) Hands interlocked at crotch level
Such a posture is meant for statues; it should not be used at all.
(c) Slashing/jabbing the air and then pointing forefinger to someone
It is a strong warning or making an accusation on someone.
(d) Hugging of the self
When someone is hugging self with arms and hands, it conveys uncertainty and lack of confidence
(e) Arms folded in front of the chest with the thumb pointing upwards
The individual has a closed personality and a closed mind. He suffers from a superiority complex.
(f) Holding hands in front of the abdomen
It has two interpretations depending upon the position of hands:
 If the left-hand cups the right hand, the individual is of the artistic bend of mind – related to the right side of the brain.
 If the right-hand cups the left hand, the individual is of logical mind – related to the left side of the brain.
(g) Clasping of the hands behind the back
It implies that the individual is very confident of himself. He is not used to taking orders and is in the habit of issuing directions.
(h) Either hand behind the neck
The individual is trying to analyze the problem and evaluating the proceedings of the interaction. The other person should be careful in interactions as the issues are being evaluated.
(i) Both hands clasping behind the neck
It is a danger signal because it means as if the spine or backbone is being straightened before the final plunge!
(j) Both hands behind the head
The positioning of both hands behind the head is a gesture of superiority, confidence, and possible arrogance. This gesture if combined with the expression on the face and eyes can be interpreted as under:
 If the individual maintains eye contact, he feels superior and is confident.
 If the individual turns his head away but continues to position his hands behind the head, he is dismissing your position without much ado. It is pointless to continue further interaction with the person.
(k) Scratching the head
As is the proverb, the individual is confused and would like to sort things out as they are causing a lot of discomforts.
(l) Stroking the chin
It implies that the ideas brought up in the discussions are being pruned and being given due consideration. Issues will be taken to their logical conclusions.
(m) Scratching or lightly rubbing one side of the neck
Rubbing one side of the neck may involve one or two fingers only. It means the individual is insecure and is looking for some kind of assurance that he would get from stroking the self or being in close proximity of his own self.
(n) Clenching of hands
It conveys different meanings if the person is speaking and listening:
 If speaking, it implies frustration about the issue and also uncertainty about how long the interaction would continue
 If listening, it means that he is responding rather negatively to whatever is being said.
(o) Thumbs hidden inside the fists
This gesture implies that the person is not able to resolve the issue or reach an amicable solution. Additionally, if the thumbs are well covered, it means the person is depicting his inability to face the situation or come up with a satisfactory solution.
(p) One or both the hands on the hip
If a person is standing erect with one or both the hands on the hip, it denotes two things – either it is a habitual gesture or one that implies authority or royalty and the person is a monarch of all he surveys!
(q) Hands down and fists clenched
It means that the person is getting ready for a quarrel and is ready for the final outburst. The other person can give him a break before he lets off his steam because, otherwise, he is likely to be very aggressive and hostile.
(r) Rubbing hands
There are several interpretations:
 If the rubbing of hands is quick, it implies that the person is excited about something that is satisfying too.
 Slower the rubbing of hands, more dangerous is the implication. It indicates that some kind of deception is going to take place. It also implies that something is going on in the mind of the person that needs close watching.
 Still slower rubbing of the hands similar to when they are cleaned or washed indicates that the individual is deciding to steer clear of the situation.
(s) Pressing the hands in front of the body like Indian namaskar
The gesture indicates that the individual should be given a chance to present and defend his case. In such gestures of persuasion, there is an element of request that implies that he is in desperate need of having his case heard.
(t) Stapling of the fingers and thumbs together
This gesture signifies that the person is of a very confident nature and is certain of the opinions he wants to put across in the interaction. Being a person of extreme strength and convictions, little can shake his confidence in whatever he wishes to convey.
(u) Leaning forward with head supported by one or both the hands
This has two variants:
 If accompanied with enthusiastic looks in the eyes, it shows interest in the listener
 If it is coupled with the bored look on the face, it implies the listener is bored or tired of the interaction.
(v) A person holding his ears with both hands
Although not very common, it implies that the person is sorry and apologetic for what he has done.