Voice Like a Pro

christina carr

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Voice Like a Pro Plan

Students will learn to control their speaking voice’s volume, pitch, and pace through modeling and active practice to improve clarity and confidence in presentations and reading aloud.

Effective voice control helps students communicate clearly, boosts confidence, and strengthens presentation and reading-aloud skills—key abilities for academic success and social engagement.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Modeling and active practice with feedback

Materials

Voice Variation Cards, Volume Meter Poster, Story Excerpt Script, Whiteboard and Markers, and Student Notebooks

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Review the Voice Variation Cards and familiarize yourself with each prompt
Print and display the Volume Meter Poster on the board
Copy the Story Excerpt Script so each student has a sheet
Ensure whiteboard is clean and markers are ready

Step 1

Warm-Up and Introduction

2 minutes

Ask students to say “Hello” softly, then at a medium level, then loudly
Record “Soft,” “Medium,” and “Loud” on the whiteboard
Discuss scenarios when each volume level is appropriate (e.g., library vs. playground)

Step 2

Teacher Modeling

3 minutes

Read a short passage from the Story Excerpt Script in a whisper, then too loudly, then at clear, moderate volume
Refer to the Volume Meter Poster to show ideal volume range
Highlight how volume, pitch, and pace affect understanding

Step 3

Guided Practice Stations

6 minutes

Divide students into pairs and give each pair a set of Voice Variation Cards
Students take turns drawing a card and reading the prompt using the indicated volume, pitch, or pace
Teacher circulates, offers feedback, and praises clear, confident delivery

Step 4

Share-Out and Reflection

4 minutes

Invite volunteers to read one sentence from the Story Excerpt Script using their best voice control
Classmates give positive feedback on volume, pitch, and pace
Teacher reviews three key tips: speak at a clear volume, vary pitch for interest, and choose an appropriate pace

Slide Deck

Voice Like a Pro

3rd Grade • 15-Minute Lesson

Welcome students! Introduce today’s topic: controlling our voice for clear and confident speaking. Explain we’ll learn three parts: volume, pitch, and pace.

Today’s Agenda

• Voice Control Basics (Volume, Pitch, Pace)
• Teacher Modeling
• Guided Practice Stations
• Share-Out & Reflection

Outline the lesson flow so students know what to expect.

Voice Control Basics

• Volume: Soft ↔ Loud
• Pitch: Low ↔ High
• Pace: Slow ↔ Fast

Explain each term and show the Volume Meter Poster.
• Volume: how loud or soft your voice is
• Pitch: how high or low you sound
• Pace: how fast or slow you speak

Teacher Modeling

Listen as I read:

Whisper (very soft)
Shout (very loud)
Clear, moderate voice

Model using the Story Excerpt Script.
First whisper, then shout, then speak at a clear, moderate volume. Refer to the poster to show the ideal range.

Guided Practice Stations

Pair up with a classmate
Draw a card from Voice Variation Cards
Read the line using the indicated volume, pitch, or pace

Explain station setup and distribute Voice Variation Cards.
Circulate and give feedback on volume, pitch, and pace.

Share-Out & Reflection

• Volunteer reads one sentence
• Classmates share compliments
• Discuss what sounded clear and engaging

Invite volunteers to share. Ask classmates to give positive feedback focused on volume, pitch, and pace.

Key Tips to Remember

• Speak at a clear, audible volume
• Vary your pitch to keep listeners interested
• Choose a pace that’s easy to follow

Reinforce takeaways with the three key tips.

Great Work Today!

Keep practicing your voice control skills—your voice matters!

Encourage students to use these skills in upcoming presentations and reading-aloud activities.

Activity

Voice Variation Cards Deck

This deck includes 12 cards with prompts for students to practice controlling volume, pitch, and pace. Shuffle and place face-down. In pairs, students take turns drawing a card and reading the prompt as directed.

How to Use:

• Pair up and sit facing each other.

• Draw a card and read the sentence according to the variation described.

• Partner gives feedback: Was the volume clear? Did the pitch match? Was the pace smooth?

Cards

Volume – Whisper
“Say ‘I have a secret’ in a whisper.”
Volume – Soft
“Read ‘Once upon a time’ softly.”
Volume – Medium
“Read ‘The sun is shining’ at a medium volume.”
Volume – Loud
“Say ‘Run for your life!’ loudly.”
Volume – Project
“Say ‘Hello, everyone!’ projecting your voice across the room.”
Pitch – High
“Say ‘The kitten meows’ in a high pitch.”
Pitch – Low
“Say ‘The monster growls’ in a low pitch.”
Pitch – Vary
“Read ‘I can’t believe it!’ using both high and low tones for excitement.”
Pace – Slow
“Read ‘Be patient’ very slowly.”
Pace – Fast
“Read ‘We won the game!’ quickly.”
Pace – Pausing
“Read ‘Wow, that was amazing’ pausing between each word.”
Pitch – Cartoon Voice
“Read ‘Why did the chicken cross the road?’ in a silly cartoon voice, alternating high and low.”

Activity

Volume Meter Poster

Use this poster to help you check your volume before speaking.

Volume Levels

Level	Description
Whisper	Almost no sound (like telling a secret)
Soft	Quiet, like reading in the library
Medium	Normal conversation level
Loud	Strong enough to be heard across the room
Project	Fill the whole room (like giving a speech)

Volume Meter

🔈 Whisper — Soft — Medium — Loud — Project 🔊

Tip: Before you speak, place your finger on the meter to choose your volume level. Adjust based on where you are and who you’re talking to!

Reading

Story Excerpt Script

Under the silver moon, little Mia crept through the tall grass, her footsteps quiet as a mouse. She tiptoed so the crickets wouldn’t hear her. Suddenly, she gasped, “What’s that?” as a wise owl perched above hooted, “Whoooo!” Mia laughed, her voice bubbling with excitement as she dashed forward. Her heartbeat raced like a drum, and then she slowed, whispering softly, “I see it now…” The stars sparkled above as her night adventure began.