Paralinguistics: it's not what you say, it's how you say it [the power of the voice] - communication non verbal

We can close our eyes to avoid seeing a gesture, but we cannot close our ears (easily). The voice is the most powerful instrument of human communication. Paralinguistics studies the non-semantic aspects of language: pitch, volume, rhythm, pauses and timbre. A "hello" can sound like a welcome, a threat, a question or seduction, depending solely on paralinguistics.

In this final article of the series, based on the Verbal Communication and Voice Management module, we teach you how to tune your instrument to lead and persuade.

1. Tone: The Melody of Authority

Tone communicates emotional state and status.

• Low Pitch: It is evolutionarily associated with testosterone, body size and authority. Leaders (men and women) tend to use lower pitches when giving orders.
• High Pitch: It is associated with youth, submissiveness or nervousness. When we get nervous, the vocal cords tense and the voice becomes higher.
• Falling Intonation: To sound confident, end your sentences by lowering the pitch. If you end by rising (as in a question), you convey doubt. "This is what we will do (low)" vs "This is what we will do? (rise)".

2. Rhythm and Speed

The speed at which you speak determines how your message is processed.

Speaking very fast: It can convey enthusiasm, but is often interpreted as anxiety or a desire to hide something. It also wears the listener out.

Speaking very slowly: It conveys control and authority, but if excessive, it bores. The key is variety: speed up to convey passion, slow down to emphasize important points.

3. The Power of Silence (Pauses)

Silence is music. Most people fear silence and fill it with "ehhh", "mmm" or filler words. Mistake.

The Dramatic Pause: Before saying something important, pause. After saying it, pause again. This frames your message in gold. Silence shows that you are comfortable with power and that you don't need constant validation. It also gives the listener time to digest the information.

4. Volume and Projection

It's not shouting, it's projecting. Speaking "through your teeth" or at a low volume is interpreted as insecurity or lack of preparation. Sit up straight, breathe with your diaphragm and send your voice to the back of the room. A full, resonant voice occupies physical and psychological space.

5. Eliminating Fillers (Verbal Viruses)

The "ehhh", "well", "I mean", "like" are noises that muddy your message and distract. They occur when the brain searches for the next word.

The Correction Technique: Replace the filler with silence. When you feel you're about to say "ehhh", close your mouth and breathe. A thoughtful silence makes you appear intelligent; an "ehhh" makes you seem hesitant.

6. The Telephone Smile

Even if they can't see you, a smile can be "heard". When you smile, the soft palate rises and the sound waves change, making the voice warmer and friendlier. It's an essential technique in customer service and telephone sales.

Your voice is the soundtrack of your personal brand. Record yourself, listen to yourself and work on it. A well-trained voice can calm, motivate and sell where words alone fail.