What does 'tone' refer to in public speaking?

In public speaking, 'tone' refers to the emotional quality of the speaker's expression. This encompasses not only the choice of words but also how they are delivered, influencing how the audience perceives the message and the speaker's intent. A speaker's tone can convey feelings such as enthusiasm, urgency, seriousness, or sarcasm, which helps to create a connection with the audience and enhances the overall impact of the speech.

Understanding tone is crucial for effective communication because it can alter the meaning of the spoken words. For instance, a statement made with a positive tone might be received as encouraging, while the same statement delivered with a negative tone could be interpreted as dismissive or critical. Therefore, mastering the use of tone allows a speaker to engage their audience more deeply and effectively convey their emotions and intentions.