Your voice doesn’t just deliver the message you’re trying to convey—it shapes how it’s received. If you regularly speak in high-stakes settings, developing vocal presence is essential. Use these five exercises to improve the steadiness and sound of your voice. 

Start by connecting breath to body. Make a soft hissing sound and notice any tension. Then move each limb in slow, circular motions and hiss again. The goal is to extend your exhale—a signal of calm and control. 

Next, focus on the exhale. Rather than forcing an inhale, think of breathing as beginning with a full exhale. Breathe out gently as if fogging a mirror, then let the next breath come naturally. 

Once you’ve mastered the exhale, speak on the airflow. Start your sound at the exact moment air leaves your body. This synchronization makes your voice more steady and clear. 

Explore vocal variations. Sustain a “v” sound, then adjust your pitch, loudness, and tone. Put yourself in different emotional mindsets—amused, neutral, and stressed, for example—and record yourself to observe how emotions affect your voice quality. 

Finally, connect voice and mind. Say a common phrase neutrally at first, then with intention—imagining your real audience. Let that emotional clarity shape your delivery.
This tip is adapted from “5 Techniques to Build a More Powerful Speaking Voice,” by Albrecht Enders and Robin de Haas.
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