When working from home, people are concerned about their appearance in virtual communication. However, studies show that 30-38 percent of communication is verbal, which includes your voice and your word choices. You have many vocal qualities that can help you capture and engage your audience. In this post, I’ll discuss the best tips I received from leading voice coaches and authors.
Where to Begin
Before you make any changes, record your voice. Then listen objectively. Most people do not like to listen to themselves, but it is vital to hear how you typically sound to others. You want to listen to your tone, flow, volume, and pitch, as well as your word choices.
Listen for verbal graffiti words such as “um and “you know.” We regularly hear those used in interview sessions on talk shows or in news interviews. If you put a tent card with the words out of the viewer’s site on your desk, it will be a reminder. You will find that you will quickly become aware of your filler words. This process will help identify when you most often use these words. You can anticipate their use and then pause to focus on your next word. It won’t take long to change this habit, and it’s definitely worth the time and effort!
The Impact of Posture and Breathing on Your Voice
Depending upon your situation, stand or sit up straight as good posture has a positive effect on your breathing. Most people slouch and run out of breath at the end of a sentence. Lack of sufficient breath causes the sentence ends on a “down” note making the ear think you are finished. Sitting or standing tall, taking a full breath, and speaking using your diaphragm will allow you to finish on an “up” note, and the listener will be anticipating your next thought. It will also have a positive impact on your phrasing. You will appear more confident and have a smoother flow. This skill takes some practice; however, it’s another high-value effort.
Pitch and Tone
If you vary the pitch of your voice, it will prevent you from sounding monotone. You want to find your low and middle voice, so your message sounds important to the listener. The tone of your voice communicates the mood of your message. Use a concerned tone when you want the audience to be concerned. Include passion, excitement, and enthusiasm in your voice at the appropriate points, so the audience continues to be engaged.
I attended a course with a module presented by Roger Love, voice coach of the stars. When I arrived back home, I bought his CD course. I highly recommend it as it has great hints and tips as well as vocal exercises. You can learn more about him at https://Rogerlove.com. Here are a few quick tips I learned from him and other experts:
It is essential to keep your vocal cords lubricated. When you drink water, it does not immediately lubricate your vocal cords. It takes about half an hour for the water you drink to get into your system and add moisture to the cells in your throat.
Avoid caffeine as it is a diuretic. That includes coffee, tea, and soda.
Drink about a half-gallon of water a day. It will have you sounding improved in just a few days.
If you smoke, stop smoking. It dries your vocal cords and causes irreparable damage.
No matter what you have heard, tea with honey is not good for your voice.
Word Choice
Your choice of words and their definition is critical to ensure you provide a clear and impactful message. Be sure to avoid jargon and company acronyms whenever possible. Don’t use complex or uncommon words to sound more educated. It is more important to be clear and concise. If you must use words that the audience may not understand, define them for your audience.[/caption]
Right brain words have the greatest impact. The right brain focuses on emotions, whereas the left brain focuses on logic. People make decisions based on emotion and justify them with logic. So, use emotional words to be persuasive and logical words to convey facts.
Remember, your voice persuades people that you are knowledgeable and professional. Use these hints and tips to be your virtual best.
If you follow this advice, you will come out of this tough situation stronger and with new skills. Stay safe!
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