Lesson 5, Exercise

         First List: 1. Ten different speech patterns that you’ve heard.
         Second List: I. Then make a list of ten different actions you see people doing as they talk.
         Third list: A. Make notes on how these speech patterns and gesture might be used in a created character.

         1. Dominican Priest at a religious conference. Did not expect to hear any quirks in this professional speaker’s speech, but have found adherence to the Standard American English usage. Priest had a mellow and smooth voice but did increase volume to emphasize certain important points in the speech.
This speaker’s eloquent voice was raised in volume and pitch at times. His tone was soft, but did change to emphasis a variety of points.
I. Varying gestures used by this speaker. A. Raised left arm with left index finger extended upward to drive home a point. B. Arms bent slightly, and slightly forward with hands extended as inviting listeners to come with him. C. Short pose with hands folded against torso as the classical pontificating gesture; not trite, as it was a short pose.

A. Easily used as professional executive speeker.

         2. Meg Soper, comic. Voice tight in a humorous way. Inflections matching facial expressions.

II. Paced a lot. Arm moved in circular motions. Imitated gestures of person speaking about. Microphone in left hand while gesturing with right..
B. Great for woman tyrying to mollify a man with humor.

         3. An interview with Phil Callaway—Talks on laughing. Mellow voice. His use of pause to make a point good.

III. Shakes head in a simple nod for yes and a side to side for a no. Hands folded in lap. Hands up and extended.

C. Could be put to good use as a mellow dad or granddad.

         4. Tyra Banks on modelland at talk show on TV. Amazingly quick vernacular as a recorded voice played fast forward, but not quite.
IV. With arms, hands and fingers extended, she made quick movements like a flashing train, warning light and standard.
D. Excellent image of black capturing the hearts of others by being a sweetheart.

         5. Steven Harvey on Love and Marriage. Ebony speech with a sense of humor present in the tone. Facial expressions intriguing and attractive. Paused speech during laughs.
V. Hand gestures above table. Heavy humorous use of vocal tones and pitches.
E. Might be able to be used as a comic side kick for a detective.

         6. Tony Robins, motivational speaker. Voice baritone and steady with no noticeable errors in phraseology or articulation.
VI. Hands wiped face, waved arms for emphasis.
F. A perfect salesman.

7. On watching Robert Kennedy’s speech in South Africa 1966. Irish twang, as his brother and a loving and caring attitude toward blacks. His voice reflected this attitude. His smiling warmed his audience.
VII. His lack of any big gestures was striking; a certain gracious class was projected. He looked toward his wife for spport as he did at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angles where he was shot.

G. Robert Kennedy’s demeanor and poise would be a great example for creating a politician in fiction..

8. Ronald Regan, after returning from the hospital where he was treated for bullet wounds, gave a lovely talk. His voice was steady and his humor was alive. He smiled a lot, and looked out at the audience a lot.
VIII. Gestures were of a natural, but theatrical bent.

H. This ex-president might be an example for a royal figure in a far away country.

9. I observed a candid camera vidio on a whether modification pilot in Fargo North Dakota. His voice was gruff, kind of a big shot tone. He wasn’t unkind in his speech, just proud of his work. He seeds clouds to create rain.
IX. Any gesture indicating his confidence in himself, as arms folded defiantly in front of his chest.

I May be used as a prototype of a gangster.

10. When talking with Luis at work, I notice his nice smile that accompanies his melodious voice. I mean melodious. He even sings a few bars of his favorite or my favorite songs.
IIX. Any gesture of Luis displays kindness and happiness. Usually his arms are as a minister, opened for conversation and holy discussions.

J. Could be used as an example of a singer or a minister of the Christian Faith.