Good use of vocal variety is the key to an engaging speech; when used well, vocal variety can highlight important material and make it stand out.
| Note | Symbol Key: | Interpretation |
| ! = |
SUPERIOR |
Your delivery was a real strength to your speech--it was dynamic and engaged our attention. |
| + = |
EFFECTIVE |
You had good vocal variety which makes your speech more dynamic and engaging. |
| + = |
PROBLEMATIC |
Overall, your speech delivery was too low-key; remember to avoid "low intensity of the message." Use more vocal energy and wider dynamics: more vocal variety; more changes in rate pitch and energy. |
| – = |
DETRIMENTAL |
Overall, the vocal dynamics were flat; try to widen them, that will help keep our attention and interest.You could rehearse the speech more; there are speech tutors to whom you can preview your speech, and I am always ready to coach delivery. |
LOW |
LOW INTENSITY | There was very little variety in your speaking tone; that combined with low volume and a lack of eye contact contributed to weak delivery of your speech. |
MANU |
READING FROM MANUSCRIPT | Your delivery of the speech should be stronger. You need to have a more direct connection with your audience--read less, extemporize more, in a conversational tone. Try rehearsing with an invited audience before delivering in class. |