If you Up-Speak in VO you're not going to get cast. Here's how to stop it.

Casting agents HATE up-speak! If you've ever caught yourself doing it, there is a way to stop. And, there is also a massive difference between up-speak and upward inflection. It's important to know how and when to use upward inflection.

If you Up-Speak in VO you're not going to get cast. Here's how to stop it. - 4:57

Hey everyone, thanks for tuning in to another episode of The Gift of Gab. Today, we're diving into the intriguing world of upspeak. Stick around as we unravel the mysteries of this linguistic phenomenon.

Upspeak, also known as uptalk, is a speech pattern characterized by ending statements with a rising intonation, making them sound like questions. It's often associated with uncertainty or a lack of confidence in what's being said.

In this episode, we'll explore the nuances of upspeak and distinguish it from upward inflection, which serves a different communicative purpose. While upspeak can sometimes be perceived as hesitant or indecisive, upward inflection adds excitement and emphasis to speech.

The prevalence of upspeak has grown, particularly among younger generations and, notably, among women. Even artificial intelligence systems like Siri have been known to exhibit this speech pattern, much to the amusement of users.

So, how can you break the upspeak habit if you find yourself using it? One effective technique is to use your hand as a conductor, signaling the end of your statements with a downward gesture. This physical cue can help train your voice to avoid the rising intonation associated with upspeak.

On the other hand, upward inflection can be a valuable tool for expressing enthusiasm or conveying excitement. It's a natural aspect of speech that adds dynamic variation to our communication. However, it's important to avoid using upward inflection inappropriately, especially when closing statements or conveying finality.

By understanding the differences between upspeak and upward inflection, we can refine our communication skills and ensure clarity in our interactions. Remember, complete your thoughts with confidence, and use intonation purposefully to enhance your message.

If you found this discussion helpful, be sure to check out my YouTube channel for more tips and tricks on effective communication. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with friends. Your support means the world to me!

Thanks for watching, and until next time, keep communicating with clarity and confidence.

704-674-8294 / GabrielleNistico.com / gabby@voiceovervixen.com

Gabrielle Nistico, Gabby Nistico, The Voiceover Vixen, The Business First VO Coach, #VoiceoverVixen #VoiceOnFire #BusinessFirstVOCoach Voiceover, Charlotte, North Carolina, Voiceover Demo, Voiceover Coaching Advice, Working Actors, Los Angeles, New York, New York, LA, talent agent, upspeak, vocal fry, speaking with confidence and clarity, communication