Entrepreneurs and executives need to embrace public speaking with confidence. Easier said than done as many of us don’t like to feel uncomfortable. Stepping out of our comfort zone whether that is speaking in front of people, making a sales call or pushing play on a video recording, can feel daunting.
With a team that I have run speaking skills workshops for recently, one participant shared that she didn’t want to hear herself back on video, so most likely wouldn’t view her recording of her presentation.
It is not uncommon to not like the sound of your voice. So, in this blog I share a few ways to improve how we sound.
I am a graduate of the Ensemble Studios in Sydney where I studied acting for 3 years. It was a wonderful experience and set me up well for my following career, first as a news and television presenter and now as a trainer, coach and speaker. We learned a range of skills including acting technique, movement, singing, dance and voice.
As a budding actor I was taught to command a stage and audience through projecting a clear, resounding voice. Every day we practiced warm up exercises, tongue twisters and tuned into the sound of our voice. I still practise the techniques I learned to ensure my voice is well prepared when I am speaking or training.
According to oft quoted research by Albert Mehrabian, we tune into sound more than the actual words that are spoken. He is recognised for the communication formula known as the 7%-38%-55% Rule, for the impact of words, tone of voice and body language. These areas are often summarized as the three V’s – verbal, vocal, visual.
According to this research – 38% of a presentation is vocal impact – tonality, volume, rhythm and pace. How accurate this is I think often depends on the listener. For instance, when I listen to podcasts or webinars – the words are important but if the delivery is dull or monotone, I tune out straight away.
I’m not a patient listener. I’m more visual. So, if I see someone speak, even though the sound of their voice is not rich or exciting, if the content interests me then I will tune in for longer.
You may tune into voice and presentations in another way. However, to improve your vocal tone – tune in to the sound of your own voice.
Record yourself while reading aloud, presenting or talking to someone. Pay attention. Monotone, dull delivery, excitable chatter, mumbling or sentences ending in upward inflections won’t assist in conveying verbal clarity and conciseness of a leader.
If you are delivering a speech, the strong and effective use of your voice is one of the most powerful presentation tools you can possess. The worst thing you can do in a presentation is to be boring!
Here are some ways for using your voice for maximum effect:
1. Resonance – learn to let the deeper tones of your voice come through by opening up the back of your throat and speaking from your diaphragm
2. Variety in your voice – change the volume from soft to loud – vary the pace. Go faster or slower in places, emphasise certain words – all this will avoid a monotonous sounding delivery
3. Articulate clearly so your message is heard and understood. Practice tongue twisters and read aloud from newspapers and books. Record your voice and listen carefully. Watch out for articulations, dropping ings and lazy speech.
4. Emphasis – accents on certain words, boom, pop, strong – ideally use a combination of all these points
5. Liven up with improvisation and creativity
Above all - be yourself develop your own style. Observe how you talk and make conversation with family or friends and try and copy that same variety in tone and volume and pacing, keeping it natural without being forced.
I believe my workshop participant did view her video as she recognised the need to improve, not only the voice element but overall presentation skills to speak with confidence and engagement in front of diverse audiences from peers to senior leaders.
I gained so much from today’s training session. Sue was very professional, explained lots of advice around public speaking in so many formats. Really helped a lot with my job occupation. Will improve my regular presentation at work 100% and real-life interactions too. Thank you, Sue. Workshop participant.
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Sue Currie is an image entrepreneur who guides and empowers business leaders and entrepreneurs to have “Spotlight Confidence”. She is passionate about helping professionals elevate their personal and professional brand through her speaking, coaching and training programs on Self Brand, Style and Speaking Skills, providing a multi-faceted approach to gain high transformation for her clients.
