Last modified on October 24, 2011 by Brad Phillips

Public Speaking Tip: Avoid the "Energetic Monotone"

When most people think of monotone speakers, they think of snore-inducing presenters who speak in never-ending drones. The word “monotone” usually evokes images of a flat speaker, someone akin to Ben Stein’s memorable teacher in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. 

But monotone doesn’t mean “flat.” According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, monotone means, “a succession of syllables, words, or sentences in one unvaried key or pitch.”

Boring speakers aren’t the only ones who suffer from monotone deliveries. Energetic speakers suffer from them too.

This speaker is at risk for the energetic monotone

Many of our trainees possess a wonderfully engaging energy when they speak. But too many of them fail to alter their vocal delivery much during their talks, leading to what I call an “energetic monotone.”

To be sure, an energetic monotone is better than a boring one. But monotone is monotone, and both kinds lead to audience fatigue.

So what should you do if you’re a naturally energetic speaker?

Think of your energy as being rated on a ten scale. If you tend to hover around an eight or a nine throughout most of your presentation, you can help emphasize key points by suddenly slowing down and dipping down to a five. Breaking the pattern will help regain the audience’s attention and will signal that you’re saying something important.

If you didn’t get the Ben Stein reference, the clip is below.

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