by David B Hitchcock

Created on: August 29, 2009

How the effect use of voice can enhance career success - Talking your way to a promotion

When you think about JFK, Martin Luther King, or General Douglas Macarthur what do they all have in common? They were great leaders and great speakers. With a few chosen words, and their voice they could influence a crowd. With some practice you too can see great results from the proper use of your voice.

People see what they hear

Often when people are on the phone, they are visualizing what is being said. Some people can draw up charts and graphs in their mind as numbers are being said. Other people see faces of the people they are talking to, as if the person was right there. Still other people try to use the voice that is speaking to learn about the person speaking. These last people will make judgments on what their hear in your voice. If you mumble, with your chin on your chest - they will assume you are a shrinking violet with no initiative. If you slur your words, they might think you aren't smart or even you might be drunk! While these snap judgments may not be fair, or even close to being correct they happen and you can't stop them from happening. Its a type of first impression, and once it's made it can' t be unmade. To make a good impression on the phone you need to speak clearly, speak loud enough to be heard easily, and if possible try to smile naturally. It sounds strange but people can hear a difference in your voice when you smile. Also if you are smiling you will tend to be more relaxed and that too will come across as confidence.

Let's hear from Mr.Mouse in the corner

At meetings, watch and see who gets the most attention. Is it the quiet person sitting in the corner saying nothing or mumbling their mandatory weekly update? Or is it the person who smiles, speaks clearly, and is loud enough to hear? When you are in meetings, you need to speak up. Even if you are just asking a question, or asking someone to clarify their point - speak clearly, speak slowly, and speak loud enough you can be easily heard. To help with these points you should sit up straight, hold your head up, look directly at the person you are speaking to and possibly even lean slightly towards them while you are talking. All of this posture will help your voice do its job - get attention and convey information. And using drawings to support your good voice never hurts either.

Nobody listens to Mrs. Monotone

Do you have someone at your office who always talks with the same tone of voice?

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