When most people consider how to improve or enhance their public speaking skills, they forget about one important thing- their voice. One can improve it with some simple exercises. You can know about the most effective vocal exercises for public speaking here and also get some tips on how to enhance the listening experience of your audience.
Ø Loosen Up and Shush
When starting with vocal exercises, you
need to loosen up. Do that by wiggling your shoulders, relaxing your neck,
releasing your jaw, and taking a few deep breaths. It will help shake off extra
nerves and make more space in your body. When you breathe, place your hands on
your belly and push your stomach into your hands. Then, you need to push air
out of the way through the front of your mouth by making an Shhhhhhhh noise.
Ø Do Some Tongue Trills
Roll your tongue as quickly as you can in
your mouth. Do it a few times, and then try to do a few with descending and
ascending tones. You can do these about five times each.
Ø Humming Always Helps
You can also warm up the vocal cords and
mouths by humming to yourself. Start with a long Hmmmmmm and hold it for as
long as possible. Then, loosen up your mouth and lips when you hum to ensure
that you don’t press the lips together. Keep the cheeks and jaw loose as well.
Try going up and down with the hum and alternate between descending and
ascending hums. You can do it five times for satisfactory results.
Ø Consider Chanting
Give yourself a solid warm-up by repeatedly
chanting the same four or five words. For instance, you can use these words- Meem,
Mime, Mohm, Moom. Start using the same tone and then switch to ascending and
descending ones. Repeat this exercise until the sounds coming from your throat are
not raspy or rough but long and clear.
Ø Pronounce Perfectly
To get your mouth ready to enunciate the
words and sounds clearly, you should practice pronouncing perfectly. You can
add a P and T sound to the M sounds like Ma, Pa, Ta, Ma, Pa, Ta. You need to
hold these for short and long sounds. Also, try ascending and descending. You
can then to enunciate these sounds and ensure that you open your mouth wide on
the ‘a’s.’ Do it at least five or ten times.
These exercises will not take more than 5
minutes once you do them regularly and form a habit.
Additional Tips to Prepare Yourself for
Public Speaking
Ø Practice speaking slowly because your voice will seem to have more
power and authority when you do.
Ø Record and listen to your voice. It will help you to know how you
can improve.
Ø You can also record phone conversations so that you can learn to
improve your delivery and articulation next time
Ø Focus on pauses and learn about various kinds
of pauses to know how to use them to your advantage.
Ø Have healthy meals to ensure that you are bright and alert, and your
mind and body support you during your public speaking sessions.
Need more? Check this article on five
ways to improve your body language during a speech.
Sources:
https://www.briantracy.com/blog/public-speaking/6-tips-to-improve-your-public-speaking-voice/
https://www.scienceofpeople.com/vocal-warm-ups/