Author: Bahodirov, Doniyor Aminovich

Annotation: This article empirically examines the correlational relationship between a preacher’s voice management parameters (volume, speech rate, intonation, and pauses) and the level of effectiveness of Friday sermons on listeners. The study was conducted in 12 congregational mosques across three regions of Uzbekistan, and the conclusions were drawn based on the audio analysis of 48 Friday sermons and survey data collected from 384 listeners. The findings indicate that maintaining an optimal speech rate (130–150 words per minute) and employing strategic pauses increase sermon effectiveness by 34%. Through a comparative analysis of Navoi’s concept of “xushovoz” (pleasant voice) and modern paralinguistic theory, a model of a voice-training program for imams and khatibs is proposed.

Keywords: preaching, voice management, paralinguistics, Friday sermon, effectiveness, imam-khatib, correlational analysis, religious communication.

Pages in journal: 557 - 566