I believe one of the first thing you should do is start recording your voice via a digital audio recorder or digital video recorder that also records audio.
Many speakers have a problem when they first hear a recording of their voice. They believe the voice on the recording couldn’t possibly be theirs. Yet it is.
When we speak, we hear our voice as it is being filtered by our ears and the bones in our head.
When we hear the recording, the sound of our voice is unfiltered. It is as others hear our voice.
So the first tip is to get used to your voice. Then analyze it. Do you speak too fast… too slow?
Do you enunciate your words clearly? Are you easy to understand? Do you understand what you are saying?
How is your pace, rate, flow, volume, etc.?
Another step would be to speak as often as you can. As suggested, joining a Toastmasters club can give you lots of opportunity to speak as well as valuable feedback.
I would also suggest speaking in different sizes of rooms. There is skill involved in projecting your voice to the back of the room. There is also skill involved in using a mic and a sound amplification system.
Depending on the nature of the speech or presentation you are giving, there may be value in getting feedback from your audience as you are delivering. “Can everyone hear me?” “Am I speaking too fast?”
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For further discussion on public speaking, speech development, communication skills and Toastmasters, visit the Live For Excellence Book Store for the following publications:
Blow Your Own Horn!: Personal Branding for Business Professionals
Power Networking For Shy People: How to Network Like a Pro
The Power of Persuasion: Mastering the Art of Influence
The Power of Promotion: Online Marketing For Toastmasters Club Growth
The Savvy Emcee: How to be a Dynamic Master of Ceremonies
Working With Words: Adding Life to Your Oral Presentations
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Rae A. Stonehouse is an author, speaker, and self-publishing consultant dedicated to helping others embrace constant improvement and overcome challenges. With over 40 years of experience as a Registered Nurse in psychiatry and mental health, Rae brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for self-development to his writing and presentations.
As a 25+ year member of Toastmasters International, Rae has systematically built his communication abilities and self-confidence to share his insights as an author and speaker. His self-help books and personal development presentations aim to have conversational one-on-one connections with readers and audiences.
Rae is known for his wry sense of humor and sage advice delivered in a relatable coaching style. After four decades as a nurse, Rae has rewired rather than retired, actively writing and pursuing public speaking. He strives to share lessons learned to help others achieve personal and professional growth.
To learn more about Rae and his approach to constant improvement, visit his website at Live For Excellence Productions or to learn more about his publications visit Live For Excellence Store
