The Power of Voice in the Classroom
Wed Jan 28 2026
...With Professor Silke Paulmann
In this episode I am joined by Professor Silke Paulmann to discuss why how we sound matters just as much as what we say - the irony, as you will hear, being that my voice this week is far from fine! We often focus on the words we use to support student autonomy—offering choice and avoiding pressure—but Professor Paulmann's research reveals that our vocal tone is a primary carrier of psychological information.
Whether you are teaching Early Years or Secondary, the way you modulate your voice can directly impact a student's sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. From reducing classroom anxiety to helping students feel truly "heard," your voice is one of the most powerful psychological tools in your teaching toolkit. Learn some easy to implement strategies to help your vocal tone.
You can find out more here: https://www.tone4you.co.uk/
Key Moments: Introduction to Professor Silke Paulmann: A look at her background in cognitive science and her research on voice as a biomarker. The "Why" Behind the Voice: Why tone carries as much weight as our actual words in autonomy-supportive teaching. Needs-Based Learning: How voice influences the three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Controlling vs. Supportive Voices: The difference between a "rushed" voice and a "grounded" voice. Breathing Awareness: An exercise to find your breath and use it to reduce anxiety. Tension Release: Using the "Sigh of Relief" and "Motorboat" sounds to loosen the vocal apparatus. The Siren & Range: Stretching the voice to ensure it remains flexible rather than rigid. Finding Your "Centered" Voice: A trick to stop speaking at an unnaturally high pitch. The Practice Round: Lucinda tries out three different ways to say "Take your time" (Neutral, Pressuring, and Supportive). Impact on Student Memory: Why slowing down doesn't just improve wellbeing, but also helps students remember more. Closing Thoughts & Cool Down: A final breath exercise and a reminder that your voice is a psychological tool.
More
...With Professor Silke Paulmann In this episode I am joined by Professor Silke Paulmann to discuss why how we sound matters just as much as what we say - the irony, as you will hear, being that my voice this week is far from fine! We often focus on the words we use to support student autonomy—offering choice and avoiding pressure—but Professor Paulmann's research reveals that our vocal tone is a primary carrier of psychological information. Whether you are teaching Early Years or Secondary, the way you modulate your voice can directly impact a student's sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. From reducing classroom anxiety to helping students feel truly "heard," your voice is one of the most powerful psychological tools in your teaching toolkit. Learn some easy to implement strategies to help your vocal tone. You can find out more here: https://www.tone4you.co.uk/ Key Moments: Introduction to Professor Silke Paulmann: A look at her background in cognitive science and her research on voice as a biomarker. The "Why" Behind the Voice: Why tone carries as much weight as our actual words in autonomy-supportive teaching. Needs-Based Learning: How voice influences the three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Controlling vs. Supportive Voices: The difference between a "rushed" voice and a "grounded" voice. Breathing Awareness: An exercise to find your breath and use it to reduce anxiety. Tension Release: Using the "Sigh of Relief" and "Motorboat" sounds to loosen the vocal apparatus. The Siren & Range: Stretching the voice to ensure it remains flexible rather than rigid. Finding Your "Centered" Voice: A trick to stop speaking at an unnaturally high pitch. The Practice Round: Lucinda tries out three different ways to say "Take your time" (Neutral, Pressuring, and Supportive). Impact on Student Memory: Why slowing down doesn't just improve wellbeing, but also helps students remember more. Closing Thoughts & Cool Down: A final breath exercise and a reminder that your voice is a psychological tool.