The vocal muscles must be warmed up to function at their peak – just like any other muscle. People whose careers depend on their voice projection and articulation must warm up their voices.
Speaking clearly does not only depend on what you say but also how you say it. A bland, repetitive presentation will block the audience’s comprehension. Warming up before physical activities can help us avoid injuries and long-term harm to our bodies.
A brief vocal warm-up enhances the functionality of each muscle in your chest, larynx, throat, and mouth. This enhances the quality of the sound you produce and promotes a more natural tone. Additionally, it protects your voice from damage when you use it frequently.
Ever heard of diction exercises?
Your speech substance may be excellent, and you may look terrific; however, unless your audience can clearly understand what you're saying, the effectiveness of your message is significantly diminished.
Here are three ways to train your speech:
1. Straight posture
Prior to beginning the warm-up exercises, be aware of your posture. Maintaining a straight posture will help you maintain vocal expressions.
Now, inhale. Start humming and slowly exhale. Repeat this five times. Next, position both of your hands on your stomach while standing. You are going to breathe from your diaphragm; inhale by stretching your stomach outward. With each exhalation, say "HA" tucking your stomach into each syllable. Repeat. Voila!
2. Tongue-twister articulation drills
"Betty Botter bought some butter
But she said the butter’s bitter
If I put it in my batter, it will make my batter bitter
But a bit of better butter will make my batter better
So ‘twas better Betty Botter bought a bit of better butter"
Tongue twisters are challenging because they train your brain to remember patterns. Additionally, they stretch and strengthen the muscles used in speaking
3. Speak in front of a mirror
The main objective of this exercise is to enable you to identify the words that, based on your lip movements and vocalisations, you struggle to utter. Without using any resources, tell a brief story in front of a mirror to achieve this goal.
Speak slowly so you can watch the movements of your mouth and the sounds you make. Once you have determined which words you cannot pronounce, find someone who can and learn by watching that person's mouth movement in front of a mirror.
Try them out!
So, are you ready to upgrade your speech? Try out these exercises and you will see a major improvement in your speech and ultimately - your CONFIDENCE!
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