How to improve your voice and speech

Summary

The speaker shares insights on enhancing voice appeal and communication skills. They emphasize studying great speakers like Prince, who speaks slowly and rhythmically from a calm place, captivating audiences. The speaker advises slowing down, speaking clearly, and using pacing to emphasize important points in storytelling. They also suggest recording oneself to improve and overcome the discomfort of hearing one's own voice. The talk concludes with tips on knowing one's subject matter, efficient communication, and maintaining good oral hygiene for close talks.

Takeaways

• 🎤 **Study Great Speakers**: Observe and learn from speakers who inspire you, noticing their speaking style and rhythm.
• 🔍 **Slow Down**: Speak slowly and clearly to ensure your message is understood and to add attractiveness to your speech.
• 📖 **Tell Stories Effectively**: Good speakers know how to tell stories well, using pacing to emphasize important points.
• ⏱️ **Control Your Pace**: Vary your speed to add emphasis and clarity; slow down for important details and speed up for less critical information.
• 🎵 **Find Your Natural Voice**: Discover your unique speaking voice by practicing and being comfortable with your natural tone and rhythm.
• 🌊 **Be Like Water**: Speak with fluidity and adaptability, flowing like water into different speaking situations.
• 🗣️ **Know Your Content**: Understand what you're speaking about to communicate more effectively and avoid rambling.
• 🎥 **Record Yourself**: Practice speaking by recording yourself to identify areas for improvement and to build confidence.
• 🌟 **Speak from the Heart**: Speak about topics you're knowledgeable about and passionate for better communication and connection.
• 😁 **Maintain Good Oral Hygiene**: Ensure good breath and oral care to enhance the overall impression of your speech.

Q & A

What is the first tip given for improving one's speaking voice?

The first tip is to slow down when speaking. It's advised to speak clearly and at a pace that allows people to understand what you're saying.

Why is it important to study great speakers according to the script?

Studying great speakers helps by observing their techniques, such as rhythm, clarity, and storytelling, which can inspire and guide one to improve their own speaking voice.

How does the speaker describe Prince's speaking style and what can be learned from it?

Prince's speaking style is described as slow, with a nice rhythm, coming from a deep and calm place. It's suggested that his deliberate pace and thoughtfulness make his speech more attractive.

What role does storytelling play in effective speaking according to the transcript?

Storytelling is crucial in effective speaking as it allows the speaker to emphasize important points by adjusting their pace and rhythm, making the narrative more engaging and easier to follow.

What is the significance of speaking slowly during a story's important parts?

Speaking slowly during important parts of a story helps to add emphasis and ensures that the listener feels the significance of the moment, thus enhancing the storytelling experience.

How does the speaker suggest one can make their speech more attractive?

The speaker suggests that one can make their speech more attractive by speaking slowly, having a good rhythm, and finishing sentences at a lower pitch for a more soothing and engaging tone.

What is the advice given for finding one's natural voice?

To find one's natural voice, the speaker advises getting relaxed, clearing the throat, hydrating it, and breathing deeply into the diaphragm before speaking.

Why is it beneficial to record oneself speaking, as mentioned in the script?

Recording oneself speaking is beneficial for practice and self-assessment, allowing one to notice and correct mistakes, stutters, and improve clarity and efficiency in communication.

What does the speaker suggest about the importance of knowing the subject of one's speech?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing the subject of one's speech to become a better communicator, as it allows for efficient and clear communication without unnecessary rambling.

What final tip does the speaker give regarding oral hygiene and its impact on speaking?

The speaker humorously suggests that good oral hygiene is crucial, as no matter how well one speaks, bad breath can detract from the message, emphasizing the importance of brushing teeth.