Everyone wants to sound interesting and energized when they speak. But how can you expand your vocal range so that your audience is hanging on your every word? Expanding your vocal range takes focus and practice; but all of us can improve the way we sound by using these top five strategies to transform how we sound to others.
Read Children’s Stories Aloud
Reading aloud a child’s book at bedtime, or anytime, is a fantastic way to expand your vocal range. By focusing on pitch, projection and passion you can make the storybook characters come to life from the very pages of the book. For example, if you are reading a book to your child and there is a scary character like a troll, use your voice to imitate deep tones. Or, use pause to create tension or intrigue. Similarly if the book has an exciting scene, play with your passion tones. Think how much more interesting your next presentation will be when you add some of that nuance and passion to your voice.
Sing in the Shower
One way of thinking of vocal range is to think of great musicians and singers. No one would go to a Celine Dion concert if she sang the same note over and over again. It’s the same with a speaker; no one wants to listen to a dull presenter who presents in a monotone voice. The reason that world class singers rock the stage is that they have impressive vocal range; they can sing songs with high notes and with low notes. Develop more comfort expressing your vocal range by singing in the shower. Who knows you might even have some fun while you prepare for your next presentation.
Emphasize Key Words
One simple way to change the way you sound when you speak is to emphasize key words. Take a look at your planned message and decide what’s most important. You can underline key words for emphasis with a pen and practice how you say them several times before you speak to your audience. Say some words more loudly; slow down and stretch out other sounds. This practice also serves to make you more familiar with your remarks so that your presentation sounds natural but impactful at the same time.
Imitate Your Favorite Broadcaster
Do you every wonder how your favorite broadcaster made it so big? One things for sure, they must have an interesting voice. When you really stop and listen to your nightly news, or beloved radio jockey, you will notice that they vary their pitch, pace, projection and add in timely pauses. There is a lot of skill involved in varying your vocals this way but the good news is that we can all grow our skill with some consistent practice. So listen to your favorite broadcaster; pause your TV, and repeat some of their lines playing with the inflection as you go. Your audience will love you for it next time you speak!
Play With Your Voice
Consider your voice as an instrument of your personality and spirit. What can you do with it? Can you get people to turn their heads and look your way? Can you deftly influence the crowd to raise their hands, take an action or nod in agreement? Once you realize that your voice is a powerful tool, and that you are the operator, you can have fun trying out new ways of expressing yourself. Not sure where to start? Try using tongue twisters as a tool to play with your vocals; first slowly, then quickly, then softly, then loudly. With a bit of practice you will realize that you have an amazing instrument that you can play to your crowd next time you give a speech or presentation.
By focusing on these five tips you can learn to become a more powerful presenter. From reading children’s books, to singing in the shower, to emphasizing key words, to imitating broadcasters, to playing with your voice – you can stretch your vocal prowess to new highs. Your colleagues and clients will love the difference as they listen to you make dry information come to life with your expanded vocal range. And you will have more pleasure in the delivery of your remarks. All told, that makes for a more compelling presentation. Learn more at https://www.presentationtraininginstitute.com