Do people often ask you to speak up? Use these simple techniques to make sure that you’re heard…
Add resonance. The voice originates in the larynx, where the sound is very weak, then resonates through the sinuses, throat, mouth, nose and chest, where the volume gets pumped up. To be most powerful, your voice should come from every part of the facial mask, the inverted triangular area that stretches between the two sinuses and the throat. Practice engaging this area by humming as you count to 10, blending the hum with the numbers in a smooth flow—mmm/one, mmm/two, mmm/three, etc. (Your lips and nose should tingle.) Do this daily.
Work the phone. When you’re on a call, imagine that the other person is several feet away from you. This will help you project your voice. Never cradle the handset between your ear and shoulder—that makes you sound as if you are calling for ransom money.
Strengthen your vocal cords. Susan Miller, PhD, director of the Center for the Voice at Georgetown University Hospital, recommends a way to build up the vocal cords by vibrating the lips. You can stick out your tongue and make a raspberry sound or trill the “r” sound. The vibration should be powered by your lungs, not your lips.
Polish your vowels and consonants. If people say you mumble, it could be that your diction needs a little help. Say the following sequence of phrases slowly several times each day to improve your clarity—Green tea ice cream is a treat to eat…Mean men may cause harm…Go with the flow to stay in the know…Ed said get into bed…She lost her poise after hearing the noise…I knew the crew in a blue canoe.
Believe that you deserve to be heard. Insecure people often speak softly. Remind yourself that your ideas are as important as anyone else’s.
See a doctor if you have hoarseness, laryngitis and/or pain while speaking. These could be signs of a medical problem.
