Learning from the experts...

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There is no doubt that conversation is much more difficult with the addition of a face mask.  Research indicates that everyone, even those people who are not hard of hearing, read the lips of their conversation partners to ensure they are getting the message straight – especially in a noisy environment.  According to an article posted on Technology.Org, this natural habit results from the links between our sight and hearing. 

When the sound that we are hearing is matching what we are seeing our auditory cortex in the brain increases the relevant sound. In other words, what we are looking at determines which sounds our brain focuses on. 

But there’s more to it than just hearing the words properly.  Listeners use the clues provided by facial expression to figure out the speaker’s true intent – detect sarcasm, irony, humour, etc.   Sandy Ong writes,

When it comes to studying faces, the eyes and mouth are the most informative regions because they tend to be the most expressive…The mouth region, in particular, is good for expressing feelings of happiness… Concealing this area can be problematic when wanting to come across as approachable and friendly.  

So, what can we do to make up for the loss of this powerful visual communication tool?  Two of the most expressive facial features are still accessible – the eyes and eyebrows.  And we have other non-verbal communication strategies at our disposal.  As Aleix Martinez points out,

Under normal circumstances, facial expressions form part of a coordinated package of cues – including hand gestures, body language, words, pitch and tone, and even face colour – acting together in a congruous way to convey message and intent.

Westerners have been most familiar with the Muslim religious tradition of wearing face veils.  These women reported to Ong that they exaggerate and read the non-verbal elements of their communication when veiled, but they also change how they use their voice.  They incorporate greater inflection and vary the tone and pitch to ensure their meaning is understood.   We need to learn from these women.  We need to manipulate our voices to increase expressiveness.  Increase all vocal characteristics:  pitch range, emphasis, inflection, variation in tone, changes in pacing, and of course, volume. The more varied the voice, the better. 

Make the most of your voice – it will make the most of your words.