The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

SPEAKING POWERFULLY / 349

PROTECT YOUR VOICE

Don’t drink milk or milk

products before speaking—

they will coat your mouth.

Rest your voicebox (larynx)

for at least a day before your

presentation, and take

regular sips of water

while speaking.

Tip

PITCH

Slow your delivery and breathe

deeply. Only then will you be

able to use the full range of

highs and lows of your voice. A

confident speaker varies pitch

more than a rushed one, whose

pitch is flat and unengaging.

VOLUME

Be comfortable projecting

your voice so that it can be

heard everywhere in the

room. Vary your projection

to grab and keep attention.

Your goal is not only to be

heard, but also to alert

listeners to the importance

of what you are saying.

DICTION

Enunciate words clearly, adjusting the

pace of your delivery where needed. Be

careful with acronyms or unusual words

your audience might misunderstand.

Repeat important numbers for emphasis

and to be certain they are heard.

Sound

confident

and your

audience will

side with you

Master your voice

US_348-349_Speaking_powerfully.indd 349 31/05/16 5:29 pm