5 Easy Voice Tips to Speak Effectively by Phone

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:50:20 EST

Have you heard that studies show 97% of what we communicate by phone is by vocal tone? That means only 3% of your message is understood from the actual words!

Imagine you're at a meeting, and you hear someone say "Hello" with a nervous, giggly nasal voice — or a muffled, monotone mumble. What messages are you getting?

Now imagine a radio announcer saying "Hello" with a clear, warm and projected voice.

Did you notice your body reacting in a different way? How did it make you feel?

And that's just one word!

Think about the impact of an entire conversation - or an entire life?

"Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning." Maya Angelou

So what are some simple things you can do right now improve your voice?

5 Easy Voice Tips to Improve Your Speaking by Phone

1. Keep your throat and mouth relaxed (yawning or saying “Wow” helps)
2. Speak clearly at medium speed
3. Smile while you talk, and people will hear the difference
4. Sit up at the edge of your seat to keep your body aligned (or stand & walk)
5. Drink water or tea (pop, alcohol, and coffee will dehydrate your throat)

These quick tips will help you to speak with a healthy, understandable, warm and resonant voice so that people stay focused and interested in what you have to say.

One area where effective speaking makes a powerful difference — is politics. Devin Brady, Phonebanking Coordinator of the Nashville Obama forPresident campaign, worked with thousands of volunteers who calledvoters in 10 swing states. He posted these 5 voice tips on hugeflip-chart-sized posters on three walls of the campaign office. Devincredits these tips as the key to helping Nashville phonebankingvolunteers inspire voters in every one of those Republican-leaningstates to vote for Obama.

"I'm amazed! They really work!"

Try these tips for yourself, and see what kind of difference can heard in your voice.

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5 Easy Voice Tips to Speak Effectively by Phone