Do you realize that every time you open your mouth to promote yourself or your company you are influencing others subconsciously.

Surprisingly, this has very little to do with the WORDS you choose but a great deal to do with the way you SOUND.

Our brains equate particular vocal qualities with specific character traits. So:

A QUIET VOICE = LACKS CONFIDENCE

RAPID PACE = OUT OF CONTROL

LACK OF CLARITY = LAZY

As science has proved this to be true, perhaps you should consider how to ensure you are influencing others positively.

The way we speak is habitual so there is a considerable amount of practice and focus required to change things but the end product should be worth the effort.

I’ll try to help you address the 3 problem areas mentioned earlier.

1 – A QUIET VOICE

The power for your voice actually comes directly from the amount of breath you take so begin by focusing on expanding your chest a little more.

Put one hand on your lower stomach and one on your lower ribs at the side and breathe in and out feeling the inflation and deflation of the lungs, rather like a balloon. Keep repeating the action until it feels natural. Remember not to force the air or tense your shoulders.

Using that breath is a mixture of the physical action described above and your mental willingness to ‘throw’ the sound at your audience. It may seem strange to begin with, and you may react to the extra vibrations or resonance you feel in your own head, but I promise you that if you keep relaxed, you won’t be shouting.

2 – RAPID PACE

Being too fast is a symptom of modern life. We are all in a terrific hurry to get the message across. Unfortunately a rapid delivery will usually make the message unclear so it’s false economy to rush.

Slowing yourself down is not easy as this, of course, is also a habit but try this:

Use all punctuation marks, whether written or thought, to phrase your words. Make yourself speak accurately – finish off your words. It is almost impossible to assess your own speed, so ask someone you trust to help you.

3 – LACK OF CLARITY

Articulation of speech takes place in the mouth so you may need to strengthen the muscles that help this to take place.

The tongue and the lip muscles can be strengthened by daily practice of tongue-twisters. Focus on sounds like L, T, D, S, P and B.

Speed may also be having an impact on this, so work again to consciously complete every word.

Pay particular attention to danger sounds like H, TH and NG (as in ‘going’). If your muscles are weak you will take shortcuts.

TH will become F or V

NG will become N

Just giving a bit more focus to how you use your voice each day should help you to manage others more effectively and ensure that you

Speak wisely

                Speak well

                        Speak Loud & Clear!

Twitter: @VoiceExpert