3 Ways to Ensure Clear Speech
Mastering Communication for Impactful Delivery
The other day, one of my clients had a question about how to make sure everything in his presentation was clear and that he was communicating effectively. So I thought I would share with you all a few tips for when you find yourself running into the same situation as you prepare to speak before your audience.
Pronunciation is a Must for Clear Communication
Everyone has an accent, no matter where you’re from or what language you speak. To me, accents aren't ever a problem unless you are pronouncing a word incorrectly. The problem starts when your audience or listener can’t understand you! That happens when you mumble, speak too fast, or put stress on the wrong part of a word.
Even if it's just for a moment, your listener has to take an extra second to think about what you might have said… and then you lose the connection with them.
Think of it like this: You know when the internet cuts in and out during an online meeting and you miss a few words? The same thing happens when sounds slip in and out of place in your mouth or you put the stress on a different syllable of a word.
To help my clients understand and apply this concept more effectively, I break it down into 3 categories:
Clear Pronunciation (and Mouth Placement) of Vowels and Consonants
The Correct Stress of Words
Finish the Ends of Your Words and Ideas Strongly
So, let's dive deeper into the art of clear speech and effective communication!
1. Clear Pronunciation (and Mouth Placement) of Vowels and Consonants
Clear pronunciation is the foundation for effective communication. Focusing on the correct pronunciation of vowels and consonants is crucial to ensure clarity and avoid any misunderstandings. To improve your pronunciation, try these techniques:
Mastering Articulation
Understand Mouth Placement
Pay attention to the position of your mouth, jaw, and tongue when pronouncing different vowel sounds and words.
Your mouth is a muscle, just like any other muscle in your body. And for the best clarity, you have to move your mouth to the correct position to make the correct sounds.
Think of it like a musical instrument. If your fingers are not in the right position on a saxophone, you won't get the right notes. It's the same with your mouth!
Move Your Mouth
Your lips, tongue, jaw, and throat are all working together. And if you aren't aware of how to move your mouth with energy or effort, your sounds and your message will get lost. Use vocal energy!
Imitate Native Speakers
This one I enjoy, and if you travel often, you will find that this helps you retain vocabulary from a new language and helps you get familiar with how people speak to one another.
Listen to native speakers or use online resources and language learning apps that provide audio samples of correct vowel pronunciation. Imitate their sounds and pay attention to the subtle nuances of their articulation. Even studying your favorite actors can help.
Mastering Precision
Airflow and Articulation
Some words may require specific lip, teeth, or tongue placements. Pay attention to others when they speak to see just when these placements take place.
Practice Challenging Sounds
There are lots of sounds in English that don't exist in other languages. This can be challenging at first, but practicing the sounds over and over again will make it easier and clearer.
Tongue Twisters
She sells seashells by the seashore. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck…ok, I think you get it! Tongue twisters are a fun and effective way to practice and refine your pronunciation. As a public speaker, I still use these to warm up and prepare. Start with simple ones and gradually progress to more complex ones, focusing on crisp and accurate articulation.
2. The Correct Stress of Words
Word stress plays a vital role in communication, as it can significantly impact how your message is understood.
Identify Word Stress Patterns
Understanding and utilizing stress patterns will strengthen your spoken English and ensure clear communication.
Think of your favorite movie line that really delivered a punch due to the stresses placed on certain words. I bet it made the delivery effective and clear, making it a line you’ll never forget.
In English, there are a lot of different ways that words are stressed. Here are some patterns you may notice, but they definitely aren’t a rule.
Two-Syllable Nouns and Adjectives: Most two-syllable nouns and adjectives have stress on the first syllable. For example, "PA-per" and "BIG-ger."
Verbs: Verbs, on the other hand, often have stress on the second syllable. They are content words, and usually get stressed. For example, "con-SID-er" and "be-LIEVE."
Multi-Syllable Words: For words with more than two syllables, stress is often placed on alternate syllables. For instance, "IN-tro-DUCE" and "RE-come-MEND.
By placing the stress on the right syllables, you can enhance clarity, emphasize key points, and avoid potential confusion.
Practice Stressing/Emphasizing Words
Developing an ear for word stress requires practice and familiarity with stress patterns. Mark the syllables in each word of your text or presentation. Practice reading the marked text aloud, emphasizing the stressed syllables. This exercise will help you internalize the correct stress patterns and improve your delivery.
Stressed words are also about the CONTENT words that you want your audience to hear. You can have a sentence like: “I didn't tell her you were wrong.”
If you place emphasis on a different word in this sentence each time (i.e. I didn't TELL her you were wrong! VS I didn't tell HER you were wrong!), it changes the entire meaning of the sentence.
3. Finish the Ends of Your Words and Ideas Strongly
A strong ending leaves a lasting impression on your audience. By giving attention to the endings of your words and ideas, you’ll reinforce key points, enhance comprehension, and create a sense of closure.
By slightly emphasizing the final sounds of your words, you can make your delivery more impactful.
The issue can be when people "cut off" the ends of their words and don’t use their vocal energy to "finish strongly" and "stick" the last sounds. We have to emphasize and drive with energy to the end. We must put a POINT or BUTTON on the last sound.
Use Pauses Effectively
Strategic pauses are powerful tools that can help reinforce your ideas and maintain clarity with your audience.
Pausing before and after Key Points
Pause briefly before delivering a crucial statement or piece of information. This creates anticipation, a little drama, if you will, and directs your audience's attention to the upcoming point. The same effect can be had after delivering a significant point which gives your audience a moment to process the information and reinforces the importance of your statement.
Pausing during Transitions
Imagine reading a book to a small child. The end of each chapter has a strong finish. As you turn the page, the energy shifts. Use this brief vocal pause (page turn) to move to the next chapter, topic, or slide in your presentation.
By utilizing pauses effectively, you can create impact, allow your audience to digest information, and highlight important points.
Work with a Communication Coach to Guide You
Clear and impactful presentation skills are essential for successful communication. Remember, practice is key, and if you want to work closely with a coach to guide you through these techniques, let’s connect. Embrace the journey of becoming a confident and clear communicator, and the rewards and value you create will extend far beyond the stage or meeting room.
