by Gilda Bonanno LLC www.gildabonanno.com
If you're on a phone call or have your camera off in a video meeting, your voice becomes your sole means of communication, making it essential to use it effectively. A strong, confident voice keeps your audience engaged, makes your message more compelling and enhances your credibility.
Here are 13 specific techniques to ensure your voice is powerful and communicates your message clearly.
1. Match Your Tone to Your Message
If you’re delivering good news, sound happy. If you’re conveying urgency, let your tone reflect that. When your tone and body language (even if unseen) don’t align with your words, you create confusion and in that case, listeners often believe tone over content, so make sure they match.
2. Speak Loudly Enough to Be Heard
Ensure your volume is appropriate for the setting. If you’re too quiet, your message loses impact. If you’re too loud, it may sound aggressive or overwhelming.
3. Slow Down—Don’t Rush
Some speakers talk too quickly, making it hard for listeners to process their words. Be mindful of your pacing, and make sure your speech is clear and easy to follow.
4. Use Pauses to Check for Understanding
Pauses give your audience time to absorb key points. They also allow you to check in and ensure your message is landing effectively.
5. Enunciate Clearly
Mumbling makes it difficult for listeners to understand you. Speak clearly, pronounce words properly and articulate your message with precision.
6. Avoid a Monotone—Vary Your Voice
A flat, monotonous tone will lose your audience’s attention quickly. Use vocal variety to emphasize key points, convey enthusiasm and keep listeners engaged.
7. Project Energy and Confidence
Regardless of whether you're an introvert or extrovert, loud or soft-spoken, your voice should project energy, confidence and authority. If you sound bored, hesitant, or disengaged, your audience will be too.
8. Stand Up While Speaking
Standing up improves your posture, helping you sound more alert and dynamic. voice.
9. Smile—Yes, They Can “Hear” It
Smiling while speaking changes the tone of your voice, making you sound more engaging and warm. Keep a mirror or camera up to monitor your facial expressions (even if unseen) and ensure they align with your message.
10. Avoid Uptalk—Speak with Authority
Raising your voice at the end of sentences makes statements sound like questions, signaling uncertainty. Speak with a steady, confident tone to convey authority.
11. Keep Your Voice Hydrated and Rested
Drink water and avoid excessive caffeine or dairy before speaking, as they can affect vocal clarity. Rest your voice before important presentations to maintain vocal strength.
12. Ensure a Clear Phone Connection
Poor audio quality can distract from your message. Use a high-quality phone or headset, avoid speakerphones in noisy environments, and be mindful of background noise that could interfere with clarity.
13. Listen to Yourself and Improve
Record your presentations and listen critically. Consider how your audience perceives your voice—are you engaging, clear, and confident? Identify areas for improvement and practice refining your delivery.
Final Thoughts
Your voice is one of your most powerful communication tools, especially in phone and virtual presentations. By implementing these techniques, you ensure that every presentation is engaging, effective and impactful.
These skills extend beyond just phone calls—they enhance your overall communication and influence in professional settings. Keep practicing, seek feedback and refine your approach to strengthen your presence and message.
© Gilda Bonanno LLC - Gilda Bonanno serves as a trusted advisor to executives and entrepreneurs to transform their communication, presentation and leadership skills. She has worked with companies on 4 continents, from Chicago to Shanghai and Rio to Rome. The instructional videos on her YouTube channel have received over 1.5 million views and her e-newsletter has reached subscribers in over 45 countries since 2008. For other articles or to receive Gilda's e-newsletter, visit www.gildabonanno.com