OUR ACTUAL VOICES!

The volume of our voices is one way in which we can manage others’ impressions of us. We tend to have softer voices to begin with. When we speak softly, the message conveyed is one of uncertainty or lack of confidence. Volume also impacts to body language.

The louder you speak, the more gestures you tend to naturally use. By combining appropriate volume and gestures, you immediately convey a sense of authority or subject matter expertise.

When speaking before a group, pretend the person farthest away from you is a little hard of hearing and speak loudly enough so that he or she can hear you.

Take a voice, acting or singing class to learn how to project your voice.

If people tend to ask you to repeat things or speak more loudly, consider this message something you must address.

Imagine your listeners as customers. Your voice should envelop them so they lean back comfortably in their chairs. If they have to lean forward, straining to hear you, you are not taking good care of those customers!

When you wake up, make noise. It can be any noise, like Ummmmmmmm or La la la la la. You will notice that this is your natural, unconstricted pitch; one you should try to maintain throughout the day!