Although the characteristics of speech signals have been extensively studied for more than 90 years, going back to the work of Harvey Fletcher and Bell Labs pioneering research, the characteristics of speech are not as well understood by the PA and sound reinforcement industries as they perhaps should be. Significant differences occur in both the literature and between international standards concerning such basic parameters as speech spectra and level. The paper reviews the primary characteristics of speech of relevance to sound systems design and shows how differences within the data or misapplication of it can lead to impairment of system performance and potential loss of intelligibility. The implications for compliance with various National and International Life Safety standards are discussed.
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