How to Improve Your Voice

A major factor in our effectiveness as communicators is the way our voice sounds and how we use it.

Many times people don't enjoy talking because they don't like how they sound. They don't like the feel of their voice when they talk. They might say what they have to say very quickly because it's uncomfortable for them to speak, and to do a lot of talking is very taxing.

Some men and women speak too high a pitch, too quietly, too fast or they sound like mush mouths. Straining to hear or understand someone is tiring. People soon lose interest when listening becomes an effort.

But why talk about the sound and the tone of the voice - that's not something we can change, is it? The good news, experts say, is that we can. We teach ourselves to use the speaking voice we use and there are exercises and techniques to help us develop a better speaking voice - one that is taken seriously and that others will enjoy listening to.

Learning to control and become comfortable with your speaking voice will positively affect your whole presence during a presentation, whether it be at a Toastmaster meeting, in a business setting or at a job interview. You'll feel more confident and be more relaxed and thus, more well-received.

A common mistake that many of us make is to hurry our speech: Often people, when they have the floor, feel like they'd better say what they have to say while they have the opportunity ... ...We usually aren't aware of our speech habits and voice tone, however, unless we hear ourselves like others do. That's why experts suggest taping your voice while engaged in conversation and then listening to yourself critically. Place a tape recorder in the center of the room when you're talking to a family member or friend. This will help you judge whether you're speaking too loudly or softly in comparison to others. Is there someone you particularly like listening to? A friend or celebrity? Pay attention to how they speak and use words.

One you've discovered which of your speaking habits you want to change, begin working on one or two of them throughout the day. Correct yourself on the spot each time you mess up. Remember that it took years of practice to develop your current speech pattern, so it will take time and practice to achieve the changes you want.