Vocal Power
Author: Jean Hamilton

DEVELOP A PLEASING VOICE

In our highly visual culture, many of us underestimate the power of our voices. The sound of our voice will either draw people toward us, or repel people away. Our voice is a very strong, often unconscious, motivating factor. It can help people decide whether or not work with us.

Just as we can change the shape and tone of our bodies through exercise, we can also work to uncover our most authentic, relaxed, and resonant voice. Unappealing voices are the result of years of bad speaking habits. Vocal exercises will teach you to use more breath support, relax your vocal chords, and articulate your words. Once you own these vocal skills, you will command greater respect, and people will want to listen to you.


TEMPO & VOLUME


Many times when I work with people on their presentation skills, I notice that they flatten their voices. All words seem to receive the same emphasis with little variation in pitch. When we speak in a monotone we do not allow our life force to be expressed. We do not engage with the audience. If we withhold our enthusiasm, our presentations are not very interesting!

When we want to persuade or inspire our audiences, hey if we just want them to listen to us, then we have to use a voice that perks up the ears. The key ingredient is variation. We have the ability to say the same word many different ways. Think of your voice as an orchestra with a vast array of sounds available.

I have also noticed, many people speak too quickly in their presentations. Speaking quickly can bring energy and momentum to your speech, but if you don’t vary your speed, your audience will stop listening. They are just too tired to keep up with you. Let your words resonate in the air. Let important thoughts linger, let emotional moments land. Variety is best.

In my seminars and coaching, I encourage my clients to explore how it feels to say words very slooowly. . . . then very quickly. We practice saying words loudly, as well as very softly. By practicing in this way, we teach our unconscious mind that there is more than one way to say something.

Sometimes when people begin working on their voice they no longer sound monotone, but they may sound a bit artificial. Our voice must sound authentic. At first, we may feel awkward learning new ways to use our voice, but with guidance we can learn to integrate our full vocal range, with our sense of self. Then you will be able to discover a new richness to the tone of your voice, as well as a rhythm within your speech, that will keep your audiences hanging on every word.

All of us are capable of finding our most resonant and appealing voice. We also owe it to ourselves and our audiences to employ variation and rhythm in our speeches. It will catapult your presentations to a new level. Through an improved voice, you will generate more trust and enthusiasm from your audience. You will get the results you want. Yes, the voice is very important!








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Jean Hamilton of Speaking Results, offers seminars and private coaching on Communication and Presentation Skills. Visit her website at: SpeakingResults.com or e-mail her at: spkresults@aol.com

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