Slow things down a bit as you get the word out
AS WE have passed the midpoint of the coronavirus national lockdown, our citizens are, evermore, seeking clear and unambiguous communication regarding this very serious pandemic.
There has never been a more important time for clear and concise verbal statements from national and local government officials, via radio and TV and also, timely information, comments and suggestions from social workers, health experts and service providers.
I have a recommendation for those called upon by the media to make verbal statements or comments regarding Covid-19; try to practise the basic principles of “Speech 101”.
Think ahead about the main points you want listeners to hear, then address these points by enunciating clearly and concisely, as if you are addressing an audience, (which you are), rather than just engaging in casual conversation.
It seems to me that radio and TV interviewers – whether in the studio or on location – should ahead of time, privately and politely remind those about to be interviewed, that their comments are useful and important; therefore, to remember to speak clearly and with conviction.
I’m an American whose work placed me in Paris for several years. I initially struggled to understand French speakers, due to their normally-rapid delivery.
While I was busy learning French, my friends often encouraged me to speak English, to improve their abilities.
They expressed appreciation to me for slowing down the pace of my normal delivery, (even though, when speaking to me in French, they unthinkingly, would forget to reciprocate).
When I moved to Cape Town,
I noted that most native South Africans – like the French – speak in their home language at a somewhat rapid pace. So, when speaking English, there is a natural tendency to do so at similar speed, which, for me, sometimes makes things a bit harder to understand.
So, for the benefit of we English speakers who are fortunate enough to have found a home here, let me encourage all South Africans called upon to help “Get the word out” regarding Covid-19, via radio and TV, to just take a deep breath and slow things down a bit, while embracing the basic principles of “Speech 101”. |
BILL CONSTANTINE Cape Town