Improve Your Speaking Voice

The way in which a person speaks can contribute either positively or negatively to a perception of magnetism. Often, more significance is attached to the way something is said than to what is actually being said. A forceful voice, which includes a consistent tone without vocalized pauses, connotes power, control, and confidence, thus contributing to a perception of magnetism. On the other hand, a whispery, wimpy voice detracts from a person sounding confident and being able to take charge to influence others. Avoiding an annoying voice quality can have a positive impact on others.

One research surveyed a nationwide sample of 1,000 men and women, and asked the question, “Which irritating or unpleasant voice annoys you the most?” The answer was a whining, complaining, or nagging tone. The same research concluded that we are judged by the way we sound and that careers can be damaged by an unpleasant voice. People judge our intelligence much more by how we sound than how we dress. However, the conclusion that voice quality contributes to or detracts from magnetism does not imply that there is no room for individuality in this dimension. A nice, pleasant and magnetic voice can encompass a wide range of regional accents, such as the former business executive and Reform Party presidential candidate H. Ross Perot and financier Donald Trump.

The following are techniques that you can practice on your own to improve your voice quality:

1. Listen to your voice on either a tape cassette, videocassette, or voicemail system. Keep repeating the same message until you are satisfied that you sound like a confident and magnetic person.

2. While listening to your voice, search for common voice problems such as a monotonous tone, squeakiness, an accent that is too thick or tendencies to mumble or to talk too fast.

3. Several times per week visualize yourself speaking to work associates and practice using the voice quality you think will convey the impression that you are personally magnetic.

4. Consult a speech therapist or coach to help identify any facets of your voice that detract from your image.

Changing the quality of your voice dramatically would take years because one’s voice is composed of so many ingrained, long- term habits. Though, just by modifying a few of your worst habits you might be able to make noticeable improvements. For example, by learning to exaggerate your lip movements you could substantially reduce that mumbling quality that has been driving your friends crazy for years.