Improving your speaking voice

[StevieG]

I need to address a colleague's public speaking. We both know it needs improvement, but I don't want to say "we need to do something about this" without being able to say what that something is.

The main points are diction and projection (in other words, mumbling).

A simple Amazon search finds titles with books and CDs like "Speaking Clearly," but I do not want to waste anyone's time with something that might not work.

I would be interested in hearing what other people have done to address this, and hearing other people's stories about improving their own public speaking.

[2461Badugi]

I don't have any actual expertise in this area, but I do have a suggestion:

If you think he would play one, buy him a harmonica, or ocarina, or pennywhistle etc. (Other wind instruments would work, but those are cheap.) Learning basic breath control is a huge part of learning to speak well, and it's very easy to do musically.

[Taso]

I think you should just flat out tell him. I used to mumble sometimes, family told me when I was, and I made a concentrated effort to not do it anymore - I don't. I also talk fast (New Yorker) and I've also made the effort to not do that anymore with people not from NY - I don't do it anymore.

[Subfallen]

This is overkill, but Cicely Berry's book on the voice is incredibly good and thorough.

[RicoTubbs]

Does he think he has a problem with public speaking? If not, you might want to record an event where he speaks and watch it/listen to it with him.

If he doesn't think he has a problem, he's unlikely to go to any efforts to try to improve.

[Phat Mack]

I think he'll do better with a voice coach rather than a book, as it's more of a physical skill. It's amazing what a good teacher can do with a voice in a lesson or two.

You might simply mention that you have trouble hearing or understanding him.

jmo

[StevieG]

He definitely knows it's an issue.

What I am looking for now is a reasonable course of action.

Phat Mack, have you had experience with voice coaches? Any idea on rates? Found something on craigslist, but no rates specified and I am interested in what is reasonable.

[Aloysius]

Stevie - years ago I was once told that in general, people are speaking much faster than they think they are (nerves). Realize this is a bit of a no-brainer, but I've always found this advice to be helpful. Focusing on speaking slower should also clear up some of his mumbling.

-Al

[Phat Mack]

[ QUOTE ]
He definitely knows it's an issue.

What I am looking for now is a reasonable course of action.

Phat Mack, have you had experience with voice coaches? Any idea on rates? Found something on craigslist, but no rates specified and I am interested in what is reasonable.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've never been to one, but had a friend who was a "low talker" who did. The results were remarkable.

I live in a music town, and there are lots of voice coaches for singers etc. My friend saw an ad in a local entertainment weekly and signed up. Rates were relatively cheap, maybe $30 a lesson--maybe less.

Graigslist might be a good place to start if you asked about experience, references etc.

[Tupacia]

Stevie,

Given that added info, a voice coach does sound like it could be helpful.