The Power of Your Speaking Voice and Proper Diction
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What did you say? Will you repeat that please? Did you say...? Would you please speak a little louder? I didn't understand what you just said. Could you speak up, please?
These questions all refer to one thing - poor diction when speaking. One of the biggest frustrations in communication is the inablility to understand what a person is saying. This can even lead to a heated argument, family disputes and lovers quarrels.
Many of us fall into the "I can't understand you", or poor diction category. But all it takes is a change of habit to learn how to clean up your diction and sound more professional.
Additional benefits of speaking clearly
The dictionary defines diction as the degree of clarity and distinctness of pronunciation in speech.
Speaking clearly improves the sound of your voice, giving you a more successful vocal image. As you speak with confidence and credibility you become you make a lasting and positive impression. This forms trust.
It seems that we become complacent with our speaking voice. We don't think much about it. And because we are so used to our own sound, what we hear as we speak seems to be correct to us. But what we hear and what the listener hears are two different sounds. As we speak, we are hearing the sound which is vibrating and resonating between the bony surfaces of our head and face. The listener is hearing the projected sound. This sound can be quite a schock to us the first time we hear it on a recording. I know I was quite disappointed the first time I heard my true speaking voice.
Adding another advantage we have over the listener is the "image" of the words which travel through our thought process. Others can't read our minds and can only communicate through our words.
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When you were in grade school and just a kid, you were taught how to make vowel sounds. You were also taught how to articulate consonants. By being specific with these sounds, you learned that you could easily be understood.
It may be time to pump more energy into your voice by reviewing some of the basics of good speaking. Do you remember the famous actor, Richard Burton? He was known for executing perfect diction. If you can imitate his sound (somewhat), you will find that he used his lips to form beautiful, clear and resonant speech.
He was the master of consonant placement. And as brilliant as he was with the spoken word, he continued to practice and always warmed up his voice before acting on stage.
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Excercises for consonant placement and successful diction
The following excercises may help you with your consonant placement. They excercise your muscles for speech:
Bilabial - sounds made with the two lips together.
- ME MAY MY MO MU - PE PAY PY PO PU - BE BAY BY BO BU- WE WAY WY WO WU
Sometimes we mumble and fail to pronounce our words properly because we don't know how to position our tongue and teeth. While speaking the above bilabial exercise, pay attention to how the tongue is positioned in the mouth. There is little movement except for the U (oo), where the tongue pulls back a little.
Labiodental - upper teeth on lower lip.
- FE FAY FY FO FU - VE VAY VY VO VU
Linguadental - tongue between teeth.
- THE THAY THY THO THU
Lingua alveolar - tongue tip against upper teeth. Avoid attacking the T by bringing the teeth together so that they touch. The t sound is initiated with the tongue contacting the gumline which meets the upper teeth.
- TEE TAY TY TO TU - DEE DAY DY DO DU - NEE NAY NY NO NU - LEE LAY LY LO LU
Lingua alveorlar - tongue tip positioned against lower teeth.
- SEE SAY SY SO SU - ZEE ZAY ZY ZO ZU
Lingua palatal - tongue is against the roof of the mouth (hard palate)
- CHE CHAY CHY CHO CHU - JE JAY JY JO JU - SHE SHAY SHY SHO SHU - RE RAY RY RO RU
Lingua velar - tongue against the soft palate or uvula.
- KE KAY KY KO KU - GE GAY GY GO GU
Glottal - layrnx or voice box.
- HE HAY HY HO HOO
Practice these diction exercises for a few minutes each day to get the best results. After a time, your pronounciation will become natural sounding. Another suggestion, is to list words with these sounds in them. Record your voice now and then to help you follow and recognize your improvement.
Listen for the clarity as he speaks.
Common mistakes in pronounciation
The way you pronounciate your words is a major factor in influencing people. People who mispronounce words are often unfairly judged. Take a look at the following list of mistakes made in pronounciation.
- Leaving off the end of the "ing" words as in thing, wearing, loving, wanting, singing.
- Word and slang misuse ("he goes" instead of "he said".)
- Eliminate the words (goin', comin', gonna, shoulda, woulda) in your speech permanantely.
- Kill the filler words (like, you know, um, er) which can be annoying.
Tip to bring energy to your voice
I have used this exercise for years with immediate results. If your speech is lazy, tired or monotonous, try running in place as you speak an easy song or phrase. Example: Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream, merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream.
Try it all in one breath, speaking clearly and not rushing the words. Keep the volume and pitch up.
Exercises for specific speech problems
Here are some exercises to help you if your pitch is too high or too low. And if your tones are monotonous and boring they will add color to your speech.
- The siren excercise - begin on a low tone, using the vowel "ee" and slide up to a high tone and back down again. ( you will sound like a siren). This will introduce you to a variety of areas and colors for speaking. If you speak with a high sound, lower your pitch and if you use a low sound or monotone, experiement with different pitches. Recording your vocal changes will help tremendously.
- Practice the following vowel exercises. Say the vowel sounds in progression as you drop your jaw farther for each vowel sound. You may feel as though you are exaggerating and you should. - EE IH EH AH AW UH O OO.
- If you want to get rid of a nasal sound - drop your jaw and exaggerate chewing the tones on YA YOO YE.
- My favorite exercise is this one. Look in the mirror and say "hello" to yourself using lots of energy. You will most likely smile, and that's great. Now, saying only good things to yourself keep talking. Nothing negative must be spoken. Talk to yourself like you're talking to your best friend. Keep the dialogue going for at least 1 full minute. In the beginning it may be difficult, but with time and consistency it will become easy.
You deserve to be dressed in a powerful, confident voice. You deserve to be listened to, and you certainly deserve to be understood.
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Great article, but you are swimming against the tide. People speak so much worse (more badly I should say) than they did 50 - 100 years ago. It seems it's not cool in the UK for teens to speak properly: remembering letters, like "T" for example (and "Innit" for isn't it, etc). Really good hub so voted Bob
I'm with rwelton, wish this was required reading, if not in schools, then in every home with children. There are regional and cultural dialects...what I have always said to kids that have come under my influence is that learning to say words or speak correctly can only expand and broaden their horizons and like speaking more than one language can consider themselves bi-lingual.... may not be the best way to get them to learn, etc. but it works. LOL Great hub Audrey... I will be giving a copy of this one to my son to use with his kids.
diogenes - Unfortunately, you are right. And it isn't any better here in the USA. Like you have said, it just isn't kool to speak correctly. But if this article can even reach 1 person and make a difference...well, that would be 1 more, cleaning up their speech. Great comments. Thanks.
vocalcoach~
Diction can sometimes be culturally distinctive and well worth the appreciation of them.;)
This is absolutely a needed hub. I will be sharing this much needed information . Thank you for this VC!
Good morning Dee - What a pleasant treat to see you on both of my latest hubs. Thank you for your support! And also, thanks for sharing this with your brother. Your comments on broadening one's horizons by speaking correctly is an excellent addition to this hub. And you, are an excellent addition to my list of friends!
Now this was a delght. I remember when I had to give my first seminar; tongue tied, nervous -- I think all of the little twang accents from my childhood flew into my mouth. Thanks for this treasure of helpful informaton -- a bookmark for everyone. :-)
This is an excellent summation, Audrey, of the way we influence others with our diction or lack of it. In fact, those four common mistakes in pronunciation that you listed are also responsible for many applicants not winning job offers after interviews.
Making those mistakes indicates to the interviewer that the job candidate may not be the most professional choice.
And texting, now that it is so prevalent, may sound the death knell for proper and distinct diction. Thanks for these useful reminders.
drbj - Alas, proper diction has gone to the dogs. And you make an excellent point regarding the downfall of texting. Thank you, my dear friend for your contribution and support.
So helpful Audrey, especially coming from you! It is so funny when I help my Daughter in law correct her classes papers things are so different now, that's how I know I am getting old ~_^
Thanks for sharing your expertise my friend!
Great topic for a hub! I know that this is something that many of us need help with because we fall into speech habits that aren't great without even realizing it. Thanks for all of the great information!
Ah vocal coach!! this is an excellent hub. i have a friend who has this problem, dont know wether its diction or or just because of trying to speak too fast. Will definately refer this hub to him!!
Excercises for consonant placement and successful diction are not like excercises at all they are fun:))
carrie
Excellent Hub, Coach!
This is especially important for those of us who have lost part of our hearing, because we cannot hear slurred consonants.
Oh, Kathy - "Ain't" it the truth though! What ages me the most is seeing all these kids dressed in peace officers uniforms and driving police vehicles...:):) Thanks my wonderful friend.
randomcreative - I appreciate your comments. The appreciation you display gives me just the boost I need as well as confirming that this topic needed to be addressed. Thanks so much!
carriethompson - I love it! Not many look at the exercises as fun, but you do. And I do too. Thanks for the great comments and thanks for making my day!
Will - Hello my friend. You have added a very important point to this article and I want to thank you. Absolutely a terrific addition. Thank you so very much!
Hugs...
Thanks for sharing this. While I don't agree wiht this all this (I see no problem with slang. It's colors the language) I do get tired of bad grammar and mispronunciations. I don't care much for the sound of my own voice, though I do talk alot :-) I've found, since I started reading my poetry and prose aloud that I'm more mindful of how I speak. Voted up interesting and useful!
Help! I can't even do these exercises. How can I practice? I have a lazy Florida drawl. It can't even be classified as a southern accent. I confess to not watching the video all the way through. I am out of range of good signals and have a cheap usb thing that barely has one bar. I promise I will let it stream and watch it later. This must have been a lot of work, thanks.
I totally agree with you. Good diction really sets one different from the crowd and even wins positive attention.
ubanichijioke - You make a good point. One does indeed stand out from the crowd in a positive light by using good diction. And it's becoming more rare each day. :)
I loved the vocal exercises you provided. Mi may my mo mu! We used these vocals to warm up our voices for concert chorus in school. They also help to relax the face :)
I agree this should be required reading in schools; actually elocution lessons should be a required subject. It's funny, everyone tells my husband, who has a British accent that they love hearing him talk, but few make an effort to even speak clearly.
I know too many young adults who consistently use those "filler" words. Is there an exercise to get rid of this habit? Thanks! Rated up and useful :)
PFXKaraokeguy - Thank you so much for your comments. I appreciate your sharing your views and totally understand where you are coming from. Appreciate it!
mentalist - Every word you write is poetic and inspiring!
Thank you, my friend.
RLW - Love your opening comment. And I certainly wouldn't want to put the brakes on rock'n roll :) Thanks so much.
Hey vocalcoach!
This is a great hub about diction. It is interesting to think about the different accents that non native English speakers have, because of the way the have grown up without the particular habit of pronunciation, or because their ears are just not used to certain English sounds.Really enjoyed it! =)
My friend on HubPages, Epigramman told me about you, and I'm so glad he did. I have to bookmark this Hub, so I can go back and reread. I haven't thought of this in years, but when I was in school, our Chorus teacher would have us place two opened fingers between our teeth and sing the music scales up and down. I just wrote a Hub that is a true story about my piano teacher. He thought you might like to read it. It's The Piano Lessons. So glad to have met you. Regards, Mary
Very inspiring hub. I learn much from you and you always be my vocal teacher. Thank you very much for share with us. Rated up! have a nice weekend.
Prasetio
That's one vicious-looking dog! Very funny! I practised all your exercises. I have a special file for favorite hubs and this one will go there. Thank you, Vocalcoach, for the follow
Good morning Prasetio! It is so nice to see you. You have always amazed me with your ability to speak English so well. Your own students are very blessed to have you as a teacher. And I am very blessed to have you for a friend all these months. May God be with you today and everyday. Hugs to you, dear Pras.
I considered not to leave a comment just so I could play with the puppy, but this is a lot of good advice, so I decided I wanted to let you know. Many, many people could use the techniques you speak of in this hub. Great job!
Such a lot of information here--great article!
Audrey - Thank you for visiting my hub. I really appreciate your comments. And may I add, I have read your poem and left a comment and voted. You have some excellent hubs. Such a treat to have you as part of our hub family!
homesteadbound - I would have played with my puppy. :) Really glad that you did read this because your comments mean a great deal to me. Thanks!
Subron7 - You've made my day! This is the best thankyou of all. And look out for this vicious critter. He attacks!
Mary - I am thrilled to see you! Isn't epogramman just the dearest? Thank you for your comments. I am going to read your hub about your piano teacher now. Take care, my new friend.
Charlotte - What you say is true. This particular hub is not meant for those who are learning how to speak English, but for those who already know how:)
BTW, I am working on that vocal warm up hub for you. Thanks for the suggestion - it's a great one. Look for it soon and I am mentioning your lovely name.
Take care my friend.
Green Lotus - I do happen to have a few exercises to prevent using filler works. How about if I write a short hub on this? And OMG...your hubby is British! If he were mine - I would just sit around listening to him speak...:) Thanks, dear GL.
PegCole - Yes, these are great singing exercises. In fact just about everyone who has studied singing has a pleasant and articulate speaking voice. Glad you liked them. Must have brought back memories :) Thanks, Peg.
Genna - I can't help but chuckle about your first time giving a seminar. That was so cute. And I know just how you felt. Your positive feedback on my hub raises my level of confidence and I thank you so much for that!
Elearn4life - Thank you so much. And I really do appreciate your willingness to share this hub with others!
Great hub,
bookmarked and voted up.
When I was training as a lecturer we had a vocal coach, to help us project our voices to the back of the auditorium. This hub brought back fond memories. Thanks.
Very helpful. I didn't realize there was a science behind this!
Hi tammy - Oh yes...there is a definite science to using the voice correctly. I am so glad you found this article to be helpful. BTW - I love your hubs!
Vocalcoach, This is Great! Very informative and helpful! I am always up for improving... Thank You for sharing, Peace & Blessings!
Hello DeBorrah - So very nice to see you. One thing I am going to add to this hub is " What we say, is more important than how we say it". Knowing you, sweet lady, I know you will agree. Thank you for sending me Peace and Blessings.
molometer - I'm glad this hub brought back some nice memories for you. You must be an excellent speaker! Thanks so much!
Vocalcoach, VOTE UP!What a great hub.
Hi kellymom - I like your quick response. I just finished commenting on your first hub just a few minutes ago. It was such a great hub. Again, welcome to hubpages!
Vocalcoach, Are ready for your flattop haircut come join us girls and get one, there are a few more flattop women around hub pages. It's us old women.
Hi, you are completely right, so many people these days have forgotten the art of speech, and I had to smile, I was wondering how many of us were doing your exercises above, I know I was!
Voted up and all across but funny. Love the exercises Vocal. So many good tips and such a helpful article you have created. Awesome work. I shall bookmark this as I am trying to get this singing down path.
VocalCoach: What a practical and precise presentation on the advantages of clear speaking (which in turns reflects clear thinking)! It is most helpful the way in which you identify common problems and offer concrete solutions through effective exercises and repetitions. It is particularly elucidating to listen to the magnificently clear and precise articulation of one of my favorite actors, Richard Burton.
Thank you, voted up, etc.,
Derdriu
P.S. What is the picture of and what happens when the little cutey is unleashed for lack of reader comment?
Hi vocalcoach
Great hub! I have bookmarked this one so I can practice the diction exercises.
Have a wonderful day.
A very (let me make my self clear ) VERY useful Hub :) Frank
Oh my God, i am awed by your lucid write up, thank God for coming across someone like you, voted up.
Great hub! As an attorney, having a good speaking voice is crucially important so I found your exercises to be quite uselful. Thanks for the tips!
A lot of great stuff here, very important for those who speak for a living and actually for anyone who wants to improve there speech! Thank you!
Vocalcoach, This really is EXCELLENT! This serves to remind us to be cognizant of not becoming complacent with our words... No doubt you are a Great Coach! Again, Thank you for sharing, Peace & Blessings!
Another wonderful hub Audrey.
You really do hit the nail on its head and it is so sensitivly written.
Inspiration at its best.
Another up up and away and take care my dear friend.
Eddy.
So important, and well done. Appreciate your work very much!
Voted up and I hope it is highlighted many times over. Can't say enough about its needfulness!
Fantastic advice in this needful article. What a great subject you chose, one quite often neglected. I enjoyed this thoroughly and I hope it is a blessing to many. Thank you!
I had to stop back by and practice a little bit. EE IH EH AH AW UH O OOoooooo.
Also I wanted to see the video with Robert Goulet this time around. I really loved the movie version of Camelot with Richard Harris (Dumbledore #1), but I can see where Richard Burton would be a great King Arthur. What terrific actors they both are.
Informative and useful hub. I often deliver lectures and it is my voice that I use to hold attention the attention of the young college students.I can really see how important it is to train and use our voice to achieve the right effect. Great hub Audrey! Enjoyed reading it!
Even the best of managers and bosses need to master the art of speaking properly. It is amazing how you can get things done by just speaking clearly, precisely and in a certain tone.
From college grads to working professionals to sales execs to professors, this post can be an awesome stepping stone for anyone and everyone looking to de-clutter the way they speak. I'm sharing this.
Princesswithapen
rwelton Level 3 Commenter 6 months ago
God, I hope this goes viral and becomes required reading in our schools.
Of course if everyone got on board, there would be no more Rockin'-n-Rollin' songs published....just sayin'...
Great hub -
RLW