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Does Your Voice Run Out of Gas?
by Susan Berkley
A Voice Coach subscriber writes: People who listen to me speak publicly say that I drop my voice at the end of my sentences. Is there anything I can do to work on this?
Susan Berkley:
From what you describe, it seems as if you are running out of gas at the end of your sentences. While it's difficult to diagnose this problem without actually hearing you, there are several reasons why this could be happening:Poor breath control
If your voice trails off at the end of sentences, it could be that you don't have enough breath to support it. Some people sigh or exhale unconsciously before they speak, leaving them short of air before the end of the sentence.
If you are expelling too much air before speaking, you'll notice it immediately when you record your voice. Once you become more conscious of your breathing, you can begin to control the problem.
Self censorship
When some people give a talk, they have one foot on the gas and one foot on the brake. Externally they are saying the right words, but internally they are judging themselves unmercifully.
This steady stream of self criticism can inhibit the free flow of communication, causing your voice to fade and cutting off your self expression.
Loss of contact with the audience
Believe it or not, many soft speakers don't want to be heard.
This is often not conscious of course, but many people don't want to contribute. They think they will be judged or put down for doing so or assume nobody wants to hear what they have to say. But, if you look closely, you'll see that the soft speaker is often a perfectionist, not wanting to share unless they can do it flawlessly.
Because of their unrealistic expectations about themselves, the soft speaker often misses out onmany wonderful opportunities that sharing their ideas can bring.
From The VoiceCoach Newsletter by Susan Berkley. Reprinted with permission. Copyright 2009 All Rights reserved.
Susan Berkley is the author of Speak To Influence:How To Unlock The Hidden Power of Your Voice. available from your favorite bookseller. For a free subscription to The Voice Coach Newsletter visit www.speaktoinfluence.com.
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