A long time ago a song called 'Johnny One-Note' was popular. It was about a young man who liked to sing but always sang the same note. Did the people enjoy his singing?
We have many such people in this world, who speak nearly all the time in the same tone and at the same speed. They sadly do not use the variations which the human voice is capable of. Our voices are really musical instruments. Though some of us sound off-key and out of tune, a well-trained voice has truly musical qualities. It is said that a good speaking voice covers a range of five to seven musical notes. It is clear, ringing and flexible instead of harsh, gruff, high-pitched or nasa!.
Here are a few hints to develop a pleasing voice:
nWhile speaking, breathe deeply. The more air in your lungs, the better speaking ability. If you learn to control your breath, you will be able to speak with natural pauses and you can speak or read smoothly and easily.
nAssume an easy, natural position and relax your body. A cramped, body or a tense body will affect your voice.
nListen critically to your own voice. That itself will solve half the problem.
nMake your voice show what you think and feel. A good speaker can make his voice sound according to the situation - pleasant when happy; grave when serious -etc.
One important thing to be noted is that you should appear at ease while speaking. Even the best orators, performers, however, feel a little nervous before a performance. It is a natural feeling which helps in a better performance. But good orators and performers train themselves to appear calm, poised and self-controlled before an audience. Acting calm helps them to become calm. Acting tense makes the audience restless and bored.
Here are a few hints to appear poised:
nTo appear poised one should practice the correct way of sitting, walking or standing. Good posture while sitting can be acquired by sitting straight with arms in the lap and legs crossed at ankles. While standing, stand erect, with weight on the balls of your feet. Let your hands hang to the sides. Avoid fidgeting, clutching etc.
nLook right into the faces of your audience. It will create a connection and rapport.
nBe familiar with the topic. Take a deep breath and have a very sparkling opening sentence and a rivetting concluding sentence.
nThink about the topic and not about yourself. The audience are there because they are interested in the topic. So treat them as friends and establish a rapport.
The ability to make your voice heard does not depend upon speaking loudly as it does upon proper training. With a little bit of practice, you can make yourself heard when you use natural, peasant tones.
Here are a few hints on making yourself heard:
nHave something to say and believe in it sincerely.
nMake the volume of your voice suit the size of the room.
nSpeak in medium low-pitched tones.
nBegin your speech only after the audience quietens down. Begin in a low voice so that the audience becomes quiet to listen in attention. Raise your voice a little as you continue, but do not shout.
If we follow all these hints, then all our voices will sound pleasant and musical ala a cuckoo.