Voice Lessons
Language is important, but equally important is how language isdemonstrated," says Don Abbott, a motivational speaker inSanibel Island, Florida. In other words, it's what you sayandhow you say it.
Your voice is a tool that can work for or against you. You mayalready have a commanding speaking voice, but you may not alwaysuse it, especially when you're nervous or overexcited.Developing a consistent speaking voice is a simple matter ofawareness and practice. Abbott offers these tips:
1.Practice.The increased confidence you'll feelwill come across to your listeners.
2.Breathe.Don't talk nonstop; you'll soundanxious and insecure. Allow yourself time to pause, collect yourthoughts, take a drink of water, and then continue.
3.Enunciate.Careless diction reduces your authority andcan result in misunderstandings. "Also be sure yourpronunciation is faultless," says Abbott. If you're notsure how to pronounce a word, find out or substitute one that youdo know.
4.Pace yourself.Rapid speech can be difficult tounderstand, while speaking too slowly may sound like you'reunsure of yourself.
Finally, Abbott says, if you're nervous, be upfront aboutit. "Say something like, `This is not a normal situation forme, and I'm a little bit uptight about it. I hope you'llexcuse me if I sound that way,' " he says."You'll put everyone--including yourself--at ease, andyou'll have more control over your voice if you're not sotense."
