Sometimes in our jobs and other aspects of life, lively inflection patterns may not reflect how we truly feel about the situation. However, using pitch inflections can make us feel more energetic and interactive, and help us achieve our goals, especially if they depend on talking. In those situations, we may have to “play the role” that the situation demands and “put on a happy voice” to get the job done well. This may require some rehearsing…

You will find your language dictates the appropriate inflection patterns if you concentrate on the meaning of your words. Let’s play with some inflections and reflect on their effect. Keeping your voice light and lively, allow the pitch inflection on single words to rise, fall, or both. Think of the vocal siren to keep your pitch changes smooth and free. Record your productions so you can review them to confirm your voice was inflected and to hear the effect on your message: