Not being able to project your voice or speaking too softly is one of the most common issues encountered during speeches. Have you ever observed your audience leaning forward from their seat to listen to you? Or witness perplexed faces while delivering a presentation? Well, you are not alone. In this article, we will explore the importance of projecting your voice, and practical methods to do it well.
Why it is important to project your voice and speak louder
Engages Audience
Projecting your voice allows you to deliver a speech loud and clear. This engages audience as they will be able to understand and follow you. Think about it, would you be able to follow a speech if you couldn’t hear the speaker clearly?
Increase your Credibility
Speaking softly often sends a signal to the audience that a speaker is not confident and is unprepared. This reduces trust and hence affects the credibility of the speaker. After all, we haven’t yet encountered a great speaker who speaks softly.
How to project your voice and speak louder
Method 1: Diaphragmatic Breathing
To speak louder, use diaphragmatic breathing, also known as belly breathing. This type of breathing allows you to inhale more oxygen and provides more support to your voice. In comparison, the usual chest breathing takes in lesser oxygen and provides lesser support to your voice. Hence diaphragmatic breathing helps to project your voice and speak louder.
To practice diaphragmatic breathing, stand with your back straight and shoulders back. If you are seated, do not cross your legs. Keep your back straight and head held up. With the right posture, the muscles used for diaphragmatic breathing will be relaxed. Next place a hand on your belly. Breathe in and feel your stomach moving outwards. Breathe out slowly and feel your stomach move inwards. Keep practicing until you get the hang of it.
After you get the hang of the technique, apply it to a speech. Notice how your voice sounds louder and fuller now compared to chest breathing.
Method 2: Mask Resonance Technique
Mask resonance technique is a technique that uses the upper part of your face (area where you wear an eye mask) to project your voice.
To practise this technique, start by tapping and massaging the ‘eye mask’ area (cheekbone and forehead). Then, start saying some words and at the same time, visualize your voice coming out from the ‘eye mask’ area.
Familiarize yourself with the technique by just repeating 1 or 2 words. Consider practising with commonly used words like ‘I, you or we’. Once the visualization and projection of voice from the ‘eye mask’ area comes naturally to you, try saying a sentence. You can move progressively to a few sentences, a paragraph and ultimately a short story.
Practise this a few times daily, preferably with a louder-than-normal voice. Soon you’ll be able to project your voice strongly and loudly with minimal effort. When you can use this technique proficiently, you can basically speak without exerting too much force on your throat. This is particularly beneficial if you need to speak for long hours consecutively.
Method 3: Practise, practise and practise
The techniques listed above cannot be mastered overnight. Mastering the art of effective communication and presentation is a journey that requires time, dedication, and consistent practice. In fact, becoming an expert in these techniques involves a gradual process of learning, application, and refinement.
It’s important to remember that even the most skilled speakers didn’t achieve their levels of proficiency without putting in the effort. They started by taking small steps, practicing regularly, and continually improving their skills through feedback and experience.
To embark on this journey toward becoming a captivating speaker, begin by incorporating these techniques into your daily routine. Whether you’re delivering a formal presentation or simply engaging in a casual conversation, each interaction presents an opportunity to practice. Use these techniques to structure your thoughts clearly, engage your audience with compelling stories, maintain eye contact, and utilize effective body language. Each of these components plays a vital role in capturing and maintaining the attention of your listeners.
Method 4: Gather Feedback, Reflect and Perfect Your Craft
Moreover, seek out feedback from colleagues, friends, or mentors who can provide constructive criticism on your delivery and content. Embrace their insights and use them to refine your approach. Consider recording your practice sessions to evaluate your own performance; this can help you identify areas for improvement that you might not notice in the moment.
As you continue to practice, you will slowly but surely see progress. Remember, it’s not just about impressing your audience but also about conveying your message with confidence and clarity. When you find your voice and develop your unique style, you will captivate your audience and make a lasting impression. So start practising today. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards of developing your speaking abilities will undoubtedly be worth the effort.
Interested to improve other areas of your voice?
More Resources
[Use an appropriate tone of voice]
[Speech exercises to improve articulation]
[Public speaking postures to Adopt to project Confidence]
About Speak Sell Succeed
Speak Sell Succeed teaches public speaking, presentation and communication skills to working adults in Singapore. Every course is taught in person by our founder, Iwan Yang, at our centre in Tanjong Pagar. Iwan has more than ten years of speaking and training experience and has personally trained more than 3,000 people.
Projecting your voice is easier to learn with someone listening. Voice is one of the three things, along with your body and face, that we work on in our Presentation Skills & Public Speaking course, and Iwan gives you feedback as you practise so you can hear the difference.
Eligible Singapore Citizens can use SkillsFuture Credit for our courses, and NTUC members can claim UTAP. See upcoming course dates or message us on WhatsApp if you would like help choosing.
Frequently asked questions
How can I make my voice louder without shouting?
Breathe from your diaphragm and let your voice resonate in your face rather than pushing from your throat. Good posture helps too, because it gives your breath room.
What is diaphragmatic breathing?
It is breathing low into your belly instead of high into your chest. Your stomach moves out as you breathe in. It gives your voice more air and steadier support.
Why does my throat hurt after speaking for a long time?
Usually because you are forcing volume from your throat. Breathing from your diaphragm and using mask resonance moves the effort away from your throat.
How long does it take to learn to project your voice?
With a few minutes of practice each day, most people notice a fuller, louder voice within a few weeks. Using it in real conversations makes it stick.
