Vocal Presence

Ann MacTyrell demystifies elocution lessons and shares her top vocal guidelines to having an assured speaking voice. I suspect the times of “how now brown cow” repeated at queasiness are an out of date thing. The term “elocution” developed a sullied reputation of being stiff, dull and drill-like in approach, maybe properly so ; but voice training or elocution lessons have undergone major changes. They’re now more effective, well designed and on occasions scientific in their approach to a confident vocal delivery. So, to provide proof for it this voice coach wants to share with you a few pointers to having a great speaking voice. Slow Down What’s The Rush? A good pace always takes away from your vocal presence, and it’s the most terrible mistake folk make. So, there isn’t any rush, don’t confuse energy with speaking fast. The Drama of Pause Don’t be afraid of the silence. Never undervalue the power of the pause! It shows you are not afraid of silence. These spaces between your thoughts can be as strong as the thoughts themselves. You will hold a listener’s attention by creating strong silences. Pausing always adds bigger significance to your message, and as a consequence adds to your vocal delivery. Are you Breathing? A listener always is linked to a relaxed composed communicator. To realize a calm and composed talking style you want to think about your breathing and Yes I know… I know.. You understand how to breathe! But did you ever actually think how your breathing can affect your vocal delivery? To have a powerful, resonant voice it is essential to understand correct breathing. You may need help from a voice coach at first, so here’s a hand : Think about breathing efficiently in the body ( a deep breath isn’t how much air we take into our body but how deep in the body it is going ). As you inhale target the centre of your body expanding. As you breathe out or speak, the center 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 important words in a sentence are referred to as “key power words” These words break the sentence down to its basic meaning. These words need to stand out in some shape but how?

1. Change of volume.

2. Pitch Adaptation.

3. Articulation of certain consonants.

4. Change of pace.

Pause before or after. Try the methodologies for yourself! So that you can see, not a drill or a tongue twister in sight!

And finally, if you are interested in elocution lessons opportunities, please check out a elocution lessons Centre.