Voice Levels

1. Voice Levels • In public places, like schools, your voice level should be different depending on where you are. • For example: You yell and cheer at a football game, but you whisper and talk quietly during a wedding. • In school there are certain places where yelling, laughing out loud or raising your voice is not appropriate.

2. Voice Levels (cont.) • The appropriate voice level or loudness may depend on where you are or what activity is going on. • There are four general voice levels that can be defined by where or what you’re doing. • Learning what voice level is appropriate for school activities is an important part of a good school climate.

3. Level Zero: • No talking • Appropriate for: • Test taking • Reading • Listening to directions

4. Level One: • Whispering, quiet talking between two people close together • Appropriate for: • Library • Classroom • Plays • Group work

5. Level Two: • Normal speaking voice (as if speaking to a small group), moderate laughter, no sudden outbursts or loud laughter • Appropriate for: • Hallway • Bus • Cafeteria • Assemblies (before and after the speaker or program)

6. Level Three: • Loud talking, yelling, cheering, loud laughter • Appropriate for: • Ball games • Outdoor activities • Pep rallies • Speaking to a large group