(This speech exercise is part of the Speak For Success Course. While you can use this exercise to work on your speech skills at any time, it’s designed to work on a particular speech skill that you can find out more about at Speak for Success Speech Lesson 3.)
Picture yourself as a star of a long-running soap opera or TV show. What do stars do? They emote. This role-playing speech exercise will help you develop a more expressive voice by exaggerating your normal pitch and rhythm.
Put as much expression into your role as you can, following the stage directions. It’s best if you work with a partner, as the script is written for two people – although trying to play both roles can be fun, too!
Speech Exercise Script
Daphne: (horribly upset) It’s all over, Rodney.
Rodney: (anxiously) What do you mean?
Daphne: I mean I just can’t go on like this. The sneaking around, the hiding, trying to make sure that no one sees us...
Rodney: (compassionately) It hasn’t been easy for me, either, you know.
Daphne: I know... I know...
Rodney: I mean, it’s just not what we’re used to, is it? I know that you understand, but other people... What if they found out? I can’t stop thinking about it.
Daphne: (brutally) We’d never be able to hold up our heads again. We’d be outcasts.
Rodney: (firmly) If we just stick together, we can get through it. Where’s your famous will power?
Daphne: But it’s driving me mad. How much worse than this could it be? I just can’t stop thinking about it.
Rodney: So that’s it, then? You’re just going to throw in the towel?
Daphne: I have to, Rodney. Don’t you understand? I thought you of all people...
Rodney: (bitterly) Oh, I understand, all right. Go ahead then. You always do just what you want to do anyhow.
Daphne: (outraged) That’s not true! How dare you accuse me of being selfish after all the sacrifices I’ve made!
Rodney: See? All you can talk about is your sacrifices. As if I haven’t made any. And now you’re being selfish again. How do you think I’m going to be able to carry on by myself?
Daphne: (snidely) Well you were the one that was talking about will power.
Rodney: Yeah, right. As if I’m going to be able to stick to this protein only diet once you start filling the cupboards with bread and doughnuts again!
End Speech Exercise Script
Like any star, you may rerun these lines any number of times. For more variety, change the stage directions. In the opening lines, have Daphne speak calmly and Rodney curiously, for instance.
Reading the lines of published plays and scripts out loud is another great way to practice increasing the expression in your voice – and of course, to continue polishing your clarity speech skills.
