People are great imitators. As a matter of fact that's how most of us learn to speak - by imitating others. Unfortunately, a speech pattern that many people are imitating today--one I call " therapist talk", also sometimes called Valley Girl talk - is the sing-song pattern. This way of speaking ends almost all sentences on an upward inflection. It makes statements sound tentative, as if the speaker is uncertain of what she's saying.
I find it very difficult to listen to. In fact, I disconnect when a speaker uses this pattern. For one thing, it quickly becomes annoying. For another, it interferes with the sense of what is being said. And since most of us did not grow up speaking this way, it sounds like an affectation.
It has other problems. In a business or leadership situation, you need to sound as if you mean what you say. That's very difficult to do when your sentences sound as if they are questions. When you're in charge and giving directions, it's even more important to convey confidence. Speaking in the sing-song pattern makes you sound uncertain, and make others more likely to question you. People who are in executive positions don't use this inflection. They make a statement sound like a statement. That makes for far fewer challenges.
Do yourself a favor - sound as if you mean what you say. Unless you're asking a question, let your voice drop naturally at the end of your sentences. Remember when you speak as if you mean what you say, you convey confidence, which means you gain more speaking power.
About this Author
Virginia Avery is a communications specialist who has helped thousands of businesspeople make their speaking more profitable - and advance their careers. Go to http://YourSpeakingPower.com for more speaking tips and the free report, "Are You Making it Hard for Others to HEAR You?"
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