However, this doesn’t mean you should shout - rather, you should vary the loudness of your speech depending on the situation. For example, if you’re addressing a large group of people it will be necessary to speak loudly in order to project your voice. But speaking too loudly in normal, everyday conversation is unnecessary and can give the wrong impression.
Therefore, it’s important to slow down your speech by saying your words more slowly and pausing between sentences - this helps to add emphasis to what you’re saying and gives you a chance to take a breath! On the other hand, it’s a good idea not to speak too slowly. Speaking too slowly can be monotonous for your listeners, so they may become impatient and just tune out. The ideal speaking rate is somewhere between 120 and 160 words per minute. However, if you’re giving a speech, it’s a good idea to alter the speed at which you speak - speaking slowly can help to emphasize a point, while speaking more quickly can give the impression of passion and enthusiasm. [2] X Research source
Make sure to open your mouth, loosen your lips and keep your tongue and teeth in the correct position as you speak. This may also help eliminate or disguise a lisp, if you have one. It might feel odd at first, but if you consistently make the effort to pronounce your words correctly, it will soon come naturally to you. [2] X Research source
Your breath should come from your diaphragm, not from your chest. To figure out if you’re breathing correctly, place your fist on your abdomen, just below your last rib - you should feel your stomach expand and see your shoulders rise and fall as you breathe. Practice your breathing by inhaling deeply, allowing the air to fill your belly. Breathe in for a count of 5 seconds, then exhale for another 5. Get used to this method of breathing, then try to work it into your everyday speech. Remember that sitting or standing up straight, with your chin up and your shoulders back, will help you to breathe deeper and project your voice more easily. It will also give you an air of confidence as you speak. Try to breathe at the end of every sentence - if you use the deep breathing method, you should have enough air to get through the next sentence without having to pause for breath. This will also give your listeners a chance to absorb what you’re saying.
Although you shouldn’t try to change the natural pitch of your voice (no Darth Vader impressions, please), you should make an effort to control it. Don’t let your nerves get the better of you and aim to achieve a fuller, smoother pitch. You can practice controlling your pitch by humming a tune, or simply by reading a piece of text aloud to yourself. Keep in mind that it’s not necessary to maintain a steady pitch at all times - some words should be voiced in a higher pitch in order to add emphasis. [5] X Research source
Try to loosen your mouth and relax your vocal cords. You can do this by yawning widely, wiggling your jaw from side to side, humming a tune, and gently massaging your throat muscles with your fingers. Increase your breathing capacity and volume by fully exhaling until all of the air is completely expelled from your lungs, then take a deep breath and hold it for 15 seconds before exhaling again. Work on your pitch by singing the sound “ah”, first at your normal pitch, then getting progressively lower. You can also do this with each of the letters of the alphabet. [2] X Research source Repeat tongue twisters like:[6] X Research source Red leather, yellow leather. She sells seashells by the seashore. Peter piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
Pick a passage from a book or magazine, or better yet, find a transcript of a famous speech (such as one by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ) and read it aloud to yourself. Remember to stand up straight, breathe deeply and open your mouth fully when you speak. Stand in front of a mirror if it helps. Keep practicing until you are happy with what you hear. Then try to employ the same techniques as part of your everyday speech.
This can help you to pick up on any faults that you wouldn’t normally pick up on, such as mispronunciations and speed or pitch problems. Nowadays, most phones will have a recording option that you can use to listen to yourself. You could also use a video camera (which could be helpful to check your posture, eye contact and mouth movement).
A voice coach is also a good idea if you have a native or very colloquial accent that you’re trying to minimize or eliminate. Getting rid of an accent is a difficult thing to do, so seeing a professional can really help. If seeing a voice coach seems a little extreme, then consider practising in front of a particularly articulate friend or family member. They may be able to pick up on any issues and give you some helpful pointers. This will also help you to feel more confident about speaking in front of others. [8] X Research source
A good way to make your tone more friendly and warm is to smile while you speak. Not a crazed grin, mind you, but even a slight upturn of the corners of your mouth can make the sound of your voice more appealing - even over the phone. Of course, smiling isn’t always appropriate, especially if you’re discussing a serious issue. But just remember that inserting emotion into your voice (whatever emotion it may be) can do wonders. [9] X Research source
