How to Use the Voice Effectively When Delivering an Oral Presentation
Public speaking is at the top of many people's lists of most feared activities. When you are nervous, your voice may begin to quaver or crack. You might begin to mumble, cough or even stutter. The voice is a powerful tool that, when used correctly, can be convincing and motivate others to action. Learning to control your voice even when nervous can greatly enhance your success.
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Instructions
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Modulate the volume. Stage actors use a technique called projecting the voice, in which the voice is drawn from deep within the diaphragm rather than higher in the throat. Projecting allows you to add volume without screaming or sounding raspy. If you have a microphone, test the volume setting well in advance.
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Work on tonal quality and pitch. Some people have naturally high-pitched voices that can be grating at high volume. A naturally low-pitched voice can echo and be difficult to understand. Some people speak nasally. Record your voice and listen to the playback. Determine what features bother you and which you particularly like. Consciously shift your voice to address any issues.
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Practice enunciating each word. Most people mumble from time to time. When first practicing your speech, pointedly overemphasize each syllable. As you get used to enunciating, drop the level of emphasis down to sound clear but not over-exaggerated.
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Pace your speech. In casual conversation, the vocal tones ebb and flow. Our speech becomes more rapid when we are excited about a point. It slows down when we are processing new information. Read casually through your speech and note the changes in tone and speed. Strive to recreate that natural pacing when delivering your presentation.
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Pay attention to your audience. Some ineffective presenters rush on stage, deliver the speech and rush out again without ever acknowledging that the audience exists. Instead, make eye contact, nod and smile at individuals within the group. Look for cues that the audience is getting restless, such as paper shuffling or yawns. Pause for laughter. An effective presenter adapts on the fly to audience cues.
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Learn your subject matter. Rather than memorizing a speech, focus on internalizing the message. Use cue cards to jog your memory, if needed, but strive to talk rather than recite. Share your passion for the topic with your audience.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are nervous, focus on the wall just above the heads of your audience. You will appear to be looking at them, but can avoid direct eye contact.
Distill your entire speech into one or two key phrases. If you become lost or flustered, return to the key phrases as a memory aid.
