How to Improve the Way You Speak

Improve the way you speak by practicing a few simple steps.

You can improve your speech with patience, practice and determination. However, the process isn't easy, particularly if you have a lisp or other speech impediment. The way you speak is one of the factors by which people determine what kind of person you are. For instance, you can often determine where a person is from based on his way of speaking; accents are regionally specific. Many people attempt to improve the way they speak to tone down a heavy accent, to sound more educated or to be more easily understood. Whatever your reason, you can improve your speech by utilizing a few tips.

Instructions

1. Practice deep breathing. Your pitch, tone and inflection are defined and improved by breathing correctly. To practice, stand up straight and inhale a deep breath while slowly drawing your abdomen inward. This makes your diaphragm contract and force air through the larynx, which creates the vibrations that determine the sound of your voice; it creates a firm, controlled voice.

2. Stand in front of a mirror and watch yourself speak to see if you open your mouth enough to form words correctly. Watching your mouth move helps you to fully form the entire word rather than drawling it out, which may be difficult for listeners to understand. Practice this while reciting the alphabet several times every week.

3. Speak slowly and deliberately. Practice thinking about what you want to say and then articulating it slowly aloud. This helps others understand you more clearly and prevents you from rushing through your words.

References

• PSI TEK: How to Improve Your Speech and Manner