Effective use of Voice & Pronunciation Training

For over 15 years, I have been coaching and assisting students at various levels (and professors), on how to use their voice effectively and how to pronounce words correctly, and also avoid repeat errors.

Here are just some of the areas which I can monitor and during coaching sessions:

Control your pace:

  • Speak at a speed that is comfortable for your audience and easy for them to understand. Avoid speaking too quickly or too slowly.
  • Vary your pace to highlight certain key points.

 

Vary your pitch (how high or low the voice sounds):

  • Use a range of pitches and emphasis to make your speaking more appealing and interesting.
  • Lower your pitch at times in order to convey seriousness or authority.
  • Raise your pitch to express excitement or urgency.

Vary your volume:

  • Adjust your volume to the size of the room and the number of listeners in the audience.
  • Use a louder voice to emphasize important points, but do not shout.
  • Use a softer voice for particularly serious moments.

Use pauses strategically:

  • Pauses can be powerful tools for emphasis and ensuring audience engagement.
  • Allow time for your audience to process information and to think things through.
  • Use pauses to create anticipation or a dramatic effect.
  • Speak clearly and ensure that each word is clearly and separately spoken.

Express emotions with your voice:

  • Let your voice reflect the emotions you wish to convey.
  • Use vocal variety to express enthusiasm, sadness, anger, surprise etc.

There are various other practical things you can do, such as:

  • Record yourself speaking and listen back to identify things to improve.
  • Get feedback from friends or colleagues on your vocal delivery.
  • Practice good breathing to support your voice and avoid breathlessness.
  • Stand or sit with good posture.
  • Reduce tension and nerves, which enables better vocal projection.

PRONUNCIATION – AN UNDERRATED ISSUE

Mistakes often lead to misunderstandings and a decline in quality and clarity.   I can work with you to enhance your presentations and conversation, improving impact and fluency.