Suitable Volume

IF A public speaker signs in too small a space or with motions that are too soft or slow, some in the audience may begin to doze. If a publisher signs without suitable volume in the field ministry, signing too softly or in too small a space, he may not hold the attention of the householder. On the other hand, if he signs in too large a space, the householder may view his signing as bombastic. At meetings where comments from the audience are not given with adequate volume, those present will not receive needed encouragement. (Heb. 10:24, 25) On the other hand, if a speaker increases his volume at the wrong time, the audience may become uncomfortable—even annoyed.—Prov. 27:14.

Consider Your Audience. To whom are you speaking? to an individual? to a family group? to a modest-sized group that is meeting for field service? to the entire congregation? or to a large convention? It is evident that the volume suitable in one situation might not be appropriate in another.

On various occasions, servants of God have spoken to large audiences. At the inauguration of the temple in Jerusalem in the days of Solomon, there was no sound equipment. So Solomon stood on an elevated platform and blessed the people “with a loud voice.” (1 Ki. 8:55; 2 Chron. 6:13) Centuries later, after the outpouring of holy spirit at Pentecost 33 C.E., a multitude—some interested, others mocking—gathered around the small body of Christians in Jerusalem. Showing practical wisdom, Peter “stood up . . . and spoke to them in a loud voice.” (Acts 2:14) A powerful witness was given.

How can you tell whether the volume that you are using is suitable in a given situation? Audience reaction is one of the best barometers. If you notice that some in the audience are straining to see, you should use a larger signing space. Also exercise caution that your facial expression is not hidden by your arms or hands when an important point is being made. At times, you may need to move either your arms or your head to the side to avoid this.

Whether we are signing to an individual or to a group, it is wise to consider who make up the audience. One group of people who need special consideration are those with vision problems. There is a need to establish proper signing space and size. For example, if you are signing to someone who has lost peripheral vision due to Usher’s syndrome, enlarging your signs may not help. Instead, you may need to move to a position where the person can see you comfortably before you start signing. Or if someone simply needs you to sign more slowly, enlarging your signs will not endear you to him. It may even be considered a sign of rudeness. Too much volume may be viewed as evidence that a person is angry or impatient.

Consider Distracting Circumstances. When you engage in the field ministry, the situations you encounter definitely influence the volume needed to give a witness. You may have to compete with things such as rowdy children or a television in the background. In some cases, increasing your volume will not help; you may need to wait until the householder takes care of whatever is causing the distraction.

Brothers who give talks in the congregation or at conventions also have to cope with a wide variety of circumstances. Speaking to an audience outdoors is quite different from delivering a talk in a hall where the lighting is more controlled and visual distractions are minimized.

In the middle of a talk, something might happen that calls for either a pause until the disturbance subsides or an increase in signing space. For example, a crying child or a disturbance caused by late arrivals will surely present a challenge. Learn to compensate for the distractions so that your audience can benefit fully from the information you are presenting.

Video equipment, including a large screen, will be helpful if it is available, but this does not eliminate the need for the speaker to use increased signing space when the situation calls for it. In some places where power outages are frequent, speakers are obliged to continue their talk without the aid of video equipment.

Consider the Material Being Discussed. The nature of the material in your talk also has a bearing on the volume needed. If the subject calls for strength, do not weaken the presentation by signing too softly. For example, when you are copying denunciations from the Scriptures, your signing should be more intense and larger than when you are signing counsel on showing love. Adapt your volume to the material, but be careful to do it in a manner that does not draw attention to yourself.

Consider Your Objective. If you want to stimulate your audience to spirited activity, you may need to use somewhat stronger volume. If you want to change their thinking, do not drive them away by signing too intensely. If you are endeavoring to console, softer signing is usually better.

Effective Use of Increased Volume. When you are trying to get the attention of someone who is busy, signing in a larger space often helps, perhaps even broadly waving your hands. Parents know this, so they sign widely to call their children when it is time for them to come in from play. Increased volume may also be necessary when a chairman brings a congregation meeting or an assembly to order. As publishers share in the field ministry, they may wave their hands broadly in greeting as they approach people who are working outdoors.

Even after you get someone’s attention, it is important to continue to use sufficient signing space. Subdued signing may give the impression that the speaker is ill-prepared or lacks conviction.

When coupled with a command, expanding one’s signing space can move people to action. (Acts 14:9, 10) Similarly, a shouted command may avert disaster. In Philippi a jailer was about to kill himself because he thought that his prisoners had escaped. “Paul called out with a loud voice: ‘Do not hurt yourself, for we are all here!’” In this way a suicide was averted. Paul and Silas then witnessed to the jailer and his household, who all embraced the truth.—Acts 16:27-33.

How to Improve Your Volume. More than the usual effort may be required to learn how to use suitable volume. For example, some may struggle because they feel uncomfortable using facial expressions. They may feel more comfortable using a small signing space, or they may have stiff hands or weak arms due to a health issue. However, with effort, improvement may be possible, though they may still sign softly. Give attention to signing space by making sure that your elbows are away from your body. Practice sitting and standing erect. Push back your shoulders, and breathe deeply, relaxing your muscles. This will help you to control the movements of your arms and hands.

For others, the problem is that they sign too intensely, as if forcing each sign. The result is that every sign is stressed and nothing stands out. If this describes your style of signing, try to relax your muscles and sign more softly to compensate. Use facial expressions to add emphasis while your hands move softly. This type of signing is easier for others to watch for longer periods of time.

Perhaps some come from a background where everyone shouts and interruptions are common. As a result, they feel that the only way to get a word in is to sign more emphatically than the rest. As they progressively heed the Bible’s counsel to clothe themselves with “the tender affections of compassion, kindness, humility, mildness, and patience,” they will make adjustments in the way they converse with others.—Col. 3:12.

Good preparation, experience that comes from regular participation in the field service, and prayer to Jehovah will help you to sign with suitable volume. Whether speaking from the platform or to an individual in the field ministry, endeavor to focus your thoughts on how the other person can be helped by seeing what you are saying.—Prov. 18:21.