***5 Common Misconceptions about the Speaking Voice

By Nancy Daniels, The Official Guide to Public Speaking
The official guide to Public Speaking

See all Articles by Nancy DanielsSee Nancy Daniels's Expert PageGet Updates on Public SpeakingGet Updates on Nancy Daniels

When it comes to image, most people believe that their visual image is the pièce de résistance. And, there is no doubt that it is very important both professionally and personally. Have you ever considered, however, the image that your voice projects?

Often we are so concerned with how we look, that we give no consideration to how we sound. While 55% of the image you project deals with your visual, 37% is relegated to your speaking voice. Without a doubt, there is much that can be done to improve your visual image. But were you are that there is actually much that can be done to improve your vocal image as well?

Many people wrongly assume that there is nothing that can be done to change their speaking voice. In fact, the following 5 misconception are generally believed by most people.

1. The voice on my answering machine or voicemail is not how I sound.

• Unfortunately, how you hear yourself on any form of recording equipment is exactly how everyone else recognizes your voice.

2. I sound like my mother or father and genetics determines how I sound.

• Indeed, genetics plays a large part in determining the quality of your voice. Environment will also affect how you sound; but, how you place your voice when you speak is more important than either genetics or environment.

3. The only way I can increase my volume is by yelling or shouting.

• The correct way to increase your volume is by means of projection. Yelling can be painful to your throat and/or vocal folds (cords) as well as your listeners’ ears; projection is not. However, projecting your voice is only possible if you change your voice placement.

4. I was born soft-spoken and cannot change it.

• No one is born soft-spoken. Everyone is born with the ability to speak in a normal volume level of sound. Being soft-spoken is a learned habit.

5. I’m stuck with the voice I’ve got.

• Everyone has a better voice inside of them. When you learn to use your chest cavity, the largest of your 5 resonators to produce voiced sound, you will discover a richer, warmer, deeper speaking voice that is resonant and sounds more mature.

Imagine speaking with a voice that actually complements or even surpasses your visual image. Yes, you do have a better speaking voice inside of you and the right voice training can show you how to find it.