How to Improve Your Speaking Voice, Improve Voice
Breathe from your diaphragm. Practice long and controlled exhales. When you speak, use breath to punctuate your point. For example, take a breath at the end of each phrase whether you need to or not. Use that opportunity to pause and let the listeners absorb what you say.
Moderate your volume. Find out if you speak too loudly or too softly. When you begin speaking, ask your audience how your volume is (each situation is different). Try to stay at the appropriate volume throughout your speech.
Moderate your pace. This one is also closely related to breath. If you speak too quickly, people can’t keep up. If you speak too slowly, people will lose interest. Record your speech to determine if you need to change your pace. Get feedback from others.
Use pitch. Lower pitches generally are more soothing to hear. However, modulating your pitch for emphasis will keep your listeners engaged. Develop your pitch by practicing humming.
Articulate. Try exaggerating your lip movement to reduce mumbling. Practice articulating tongue twisters and extending and exaggerating vowel sounds. Become an expert at articulating tongue twisters as quickly and crisply as possible. Focus on the ones you find difficult.
When Giving a Speech
Follow the instructions above on improving your speaking voice.
Practice your speech in advance and determine where you want to pause for a breath. For more emphasis, pause for more than one breath. Mark your breathing points in your notes.
Loosen up before you begin. Look side to side. Roll your head in half-circles and roll your shoulders back. Shift your rib cage from side to side. Yawn. Stretch. Touch your toes while completely relaxing your upper body, then slowly stand up, one vertebra at a time, raising your head last. Repeat as needed.
Release tension in your face. Blow through your lips. Move your face through various expressions. Stick out your tongue. Yawn. Stretch your jaw.
Notice your breathing before you begin. Make sure it’s even and natural.
Hum before you begin.
Drink plenty of water. Have water or herbal tea available during your speech. Punctuate your message by pausing for a drink of water at key points. Avoid milk and caffeinated drinks when giving a speech.
Stand up straight and tall to allow full lung capacity and airflow.
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