Voice Volume When we speak we often use ‘abstract’ words; they are words with multiple meanings indifferent situations and for different people.One such instance is when people are asked to monitor their VOICE VOLUME via abstractwords, thus allowing a range of possible interpretations.For example, a phrase like ‘use your inside voice’ might be used. An inside voice at an intimaterestaurant is different to an inside voice at your local family restaurant, which is different againto your inside voice at an indoor basketball match.This voice volume chart offers a way forward with instructions that allow everyone to have thesame or at least a very similar message.Just like the remote control on a television … volume 1 is always the same, as is volume 2, 3, etc.With modelling, each volume level can be discussed and practised so everyone has the samepicture of what volumes 0, 1, 2, 3 ,4 and 5 sound and feel like. Abstract Words Vs Concreate WordsAlthough it would appear that in the English language we all speak and hear the same language,there are in fact multiple languages if we probe more deeply. For example, at FABIC we oftenspeak of an ‘abstract’ and a ‘concrete’ language, all wrapped up in ‘the English language’.An abstract word is a word that can be interpreted differently in different situations; and thus,some people will get a different message to others. For example, I will be having lunch soon. I willbe finishing work soon. I will be going on holidays soon. In this example, ‘soon’ is the abstract wordwith multiple meanings.A concrete word is a word that can only be interpreted one way, even in different situations;and thus, all people get the same message. For example, I will be having lunch in ten minutes. I willfinish work at 5pm today. I will be going on holidays on December 24th this year.When we embark on teaching new skills, the likelihood of a person learning and implementingthem is greatly increased when we all speak the same language and use concrete words.The table below provides some examples of abstract and concrete phrases. You might like tocome up with more examples and will be surprised how many abstract words most of us speakdaily; inadvertently, we then reduce the quality of support we are offering another person.