Olivia MacDonnell from ConfidentSpeak.com demystifies elocution lessons and shares her top vocal tips to having an assured speaking voice. I suspect the days of "how now brown cow" repeated at queasiness are an out-of-date thing. The term "elocution lessons" developed a bad name of being stiff, boring and drill-like in approach, perhaps correctly so ; but voice coaching or elocution lessons have undergone major changes. They are now simpler, user friendly and on occasions systematic in their approach to a confident vocal delivery.
Therefore to provide proof for it this voice coach wants to share with you one or two tips to having a great talking voice.
So, there is no rush, don't confuse energy with speaking fast.
A fast pace always takes away from your vocal presence, and it's the biggest mistake people make.
The Drama Pause - Don't be afraid of the silence
Never deprecate the power of the pause! It shows you are not terrified of silence.
These spaces between your thoughts can be as potent as the thoughts themselves.
You may hold a listener's attention by creating powerful silences.
Pausing always adds greater importance to your message, and as a result adds to your vocal delivery.
Are you Breathing?
A listener always is linked to a relaxed composed communicator. To achieve a quiet and composed speaking style you want to contemplate your respiring and Yes I know... I know.. You understand how to breathe!
But did you ever essentially think how your breathing can influence your vocal delivery?
To have a powerful, resonant voice it is essential to understand correct breathing. You could need help from a voice coach at first, so here's a helping hand :
- Think about breathing deeply in the body
( a deep breath isn't how much air we take into our body but how deep in the body it goes ).
- As you inhale target the the centre of your chest expanding
- As you breathe out or speak, the centre of the body reduces
Think about the message you want to convey
A voice coach will always ask you "what do you need my listener to think and feel about your message?
Decide on this and the emotion in your voice will follow.
Think Power Words....Think Vocal Contrast
The most significant words in a sentence are known as "key power words" These words break the sentence down to its basic meaning. These words need to stand out in some form but how?
- Change of volume
- Pitch Variation
- Articulation of certain consonants
- Change of tempo
- Pause before or after
Try the techniques for yourself!
So as you can see, not a drill or a tongue twister in sight! Elocution lessons have been revamped.
About the Author
Hi, Olivia Mac Donnell here. I am the founder of Confident Speak. I am one of a small number of specialist voice and communication consultants working throughout Ireland and the UK.And finally, if you are interested in elocution lessons opportunities, please check out ConfidentSpeak at http://confidentspeak.com.
