How do I develop a teacher's voice?

Question

I find that I still say "like" and "um" quite often. While I am very aware of the word "like" and use it far less than most people I have seen on campus, I still hate that I use the word because it is annoying and serves no purpose.
I also say "awesome" quite often.

I use a strong tone and can explain concepts clearly, but I would appreciate any tips other teachers or professionals have for developing a voice of authority by getting rid of speech patterns acquired during adolescence.

Answer 1

I didn't know you were studying to be a teacher. Me, too!
AWESOME is my all-time favorite word.
Up until recently I had spent 12 years working in Special Ed. and as a librarian.

I say "like" a lot, too, and my speech is typically very relaxed (meaning I sometimes ignore grammar for effect and cuss like a sailor!). While I never really thought about changing the way I speak when kids are around, it just sort of happens. I think somewhere in the back of my mind I realize that I'm setting an example and I tend to enunciate and use much better grammar than I do when I'm using my "casual voice". I still maintain some of my personality, though. Kids tend to respond much better to adults who seem real than they do people who are too stiff and formal. I think there's a balance that's there somewhere, but I've never really put much thought into what it is exactly. I do think that an authoritative voice comes with confidence and that, of course, comes with time.
Have you spent much time working with kids in a leadership role on your own already?

Sorry - I know that's no help. I was just excited to see you were the teacher-type, too! Good luck. Being a teacher is the best job in the whole world!

Answer 2

dear lillyian, i suggest be yourself all the time. you just have to lessen the words you dont want to keep on repeating. It takes time to lessen it and no teacher or friend can dictate you to use the word 'awesome' not more three times per class session. The best thing i saw in your text is you wanted to improve- being conscious is your best teacher.

i taught for 25 yrs and i always tell my studetns during our first meeting that i enjoy saying the following words, the i state my favortitre words, it's like..., something like that, and the long annnnnnnnnddddd...! I never had a problem for the next 23 yrs. mabuhay ka (filipino word for Long Live my friend!)

Answer 3

Practice. Deliver a lecture at home and tape yourself speaking. Work on keeping silent while developing a thought instead of saying "um," or "like." Come up with a list of words to use in addition to awesome and make a point of using them until it becomes habit.

Answer 4

I was once told by a very wise teacher about tone and text. I worked in a daycare, and a lot of the teachers there were not certified teachers. She basically educated them on how to be a teacher. She had them post the words text and tone on the board. The students didn't know what it meant, but it was there to remind the teachers about how they talked in the classroom.

Answer 5

You should probably read and listen to people who speak in an academic register -- that will help you imitate them and hopefully lose the valley girl additions. I'm also a teacher and I find that I project confidence and act like I know what I'm doing -- it helps me shift modes from my normal life to my teacher voice.

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

You develop something by using it. Also, the teacher's look is great. Do you wear glasses as depicted by your avatar? The "look" can go a long way for being authoritative. Push your glasses down your nose, and look over them at a student!!!

Answer 7

I think just because you're aware of it and want to improve, you'll be able to master it.
Take videos of yourself to watch, but then you'll be conscious of it and try to control it. Try to get you unaware of camera.
Slow down, breathe more, and think before you speak.
Make tapes of yourself reading things without the nervous words inserted to practice.