CPPS Voice & Delivery Techniques Flashcards

What term describes the rise and fall of the voice across a phrase to convey meaning and emotion?

Answer: Inflection

Inflection is the modulation of pitch within phrases to communicate nuance, emphasis, and emotion.

Upspeak (rising intonation at the end of declarative sentences) is discouraged in professional presentations because it:

Answer: Makes statements sound like questions and undermines authority

Upspeak makes statements sound uncertain or question-like, which diminishes a speaker's perceived confidence and authority.

Which breathing technique should a speaker use immediately before beginning a high-stakes presentation to calm nerves and steady the voice?

Answer: Controlled diaphragmatic deep breathing

Controlled diaphragmatic deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing anxiety and stabilizing the voice.

In public speaking, 'projection' primarily means:

Answer: Directing your voice outward so the entire room can hear without shouting

Projection means directing your voice with sufficient energy and resonance to fill the room clearly, without straining by shouting.

A speaker's use of vocal variety is BEST described as:

Answer: Intentional changes in pitch, rate, volume, and pause to maintain engagement

Vocal variety is the intentional manipulation of pitch, rate, volume, and silence to keep the audience engaged and highlight key content.

Which warm-up exercise is most commonly recommended to improve articulation before a presentation?

Answer: Tongue twisters and lip trills

Tongue twisters activate and warm up the articulators (lips, tongue, teeth) to improve precision and reduce stumbling during delivery.