Most teachers talk too loud. They do this for three reasons:
- It shows they really mean it.
- It gives them more respect.
- Students listen better.
None, however, are true.
In fact, raising your voice causes the opposite. When you bellow out directions, your students don’t have to stop what they’re doing. They don’t have to look at you or become still.
They can fidget, crumble paper, twist and turn in their seats, and whisper to a neighbor while your voice echoes throughout the room.
There is no reason to lean in. There is no reason to watch your expressions, lip movements, body language, and tone to glean meaning and understanding.
In time, your volume becomes a such a nuisance that students begin completely tuning you out.
But when you soften your voice—just enough so students farthest from you are able to hear—they naturally begin to listen better. They incline their body toward you. Their eyes draw to you. They become receptive.
They may even tilt their head to one side, hush others, or hold their hands out palms down like a quarterback silencing the crowd.
A calm and pleasant voice also goes down smoother. It sounds polite and communicates that you believe in your students and their ability to listen.
Like all of us, students appreciate being spoken to with respect. They like being trusted with the information you give them and not bludgeoned over the head with it.
Hence, they return the favor by doing what you ask.
Furthermore, speaking softly has a calming effect. Just opening your mouth releases excitability and nervous tension—which is most often caused by loud, stressed-out, and fast-moving teachers.
It shows you’re in control and know what you’re doing. This is a soothing notion to students, freeing them to concentrate on their learning.
Because what you do is more influential than what you say, when you quiet your voice, your students will do the same. They’ll too modulate to a gentler volume.
Passion and enthusiasm are important to good teaching. Therefore, when you’re presenting lessons, motivating your class, or playing a learning game, let the moment dictate the volume and intensity of your voice.
Cut loose and be the inspirational teacher you need to be.
But when you’re giving directions, handling behavior issues, and otherwise attending to day-to-day operations, it’s best to dial it down.
Stand in one place, look your students in the eye, and speak to them in a soft voice.
Tell them exactly what you expect.
And they’ll give it to you.
PS – Check out this week’s YouTube videos:
1. Why “Catching Students Being Good” is a Terrible Strategy
2. How to Stop Transitions From Becoming Chaotic
3. Why Group Work Makes Classroom Behavior Worse
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