So you’ve created a top-notch presentation and the delivery date looms? Are the nerves setting in? Quite likely, because according to recent research 73% of the population suffers from public speaking anxiety. And one of the main reasons for this is the fear of being judged as a monotonous and boring speaker.
Thankfully, you can tick it off the list of concerns to fret about because your speaking power has a lot of potential. You can work to find the X factor of your voice, your full voice, so that people feel drawn to you from the very moment you start speaking.
Professional voice trainer presentation skills coach Cynthia Zhai is a master at helping you find your full voice and develop yourself as a speaker. We were excited to have her join us at last year’s Present to Succeed Conference and share her thoughts on the importance of developing a full voice that exudes authority and credibility.
Let’s dive into her expert insights on what voice gravitas is and how you can develop a full voice that projects confidence.
What is a full voice?
A full voice is the unique amalgam of one’s voice charisma and centeredness that commands everyone’s attention. It’s like channeling your inner Morgan Freeman! Think of it as the voice gravitas, as Cynthia puts it. Some call it the diaphragmic voice, but this definition limits the source of power to the diaphragm, the parachute-shaped muscle squeezed between the stomach and the chest. The full voice involves the whole body and one’s full awareness. Cynthia says that a full voice can be developed if a series of techniques are practiced 5 minutes per day, until it becomes your default voice.
Why develop your full voice?
A full voice will help you communicate your ideas loud and clear. It will make the audience trust you. Mastering your voice potential means you will develop yourself as a speaker. If your voice is more present, you will be more present, Cynthia adds.
A major benefit from developing your full voice is that it will drastically decrease presentation anxiety. Breathwork slows down the heartbeat and sends the right signals to the brain that you’re safe, hence the soothing effect on your nerves.
How to develop your full voice?
Start by identifying how you breathe. If you see movement in your upper body, then you’ll need to change course. Proper breathing happens in the diaphragm, and you should be able to see your belly expanding when inhaling and shrinking when exhaling.
Trivia: Did you know that Cynthia teaches yoga teachers how to breathe? Surprisingly, it turns out that many of them lose their projecting voice too soon, because they can’t use their breathing muscle properly.
Second, start practicing kung fu breathing (deep and intentional breathing where you inhale through the nose, slowly fill up your abdomen and exhale through the mouth). 5 minutes a day is all it takes. Do it every day until you start to notice that you no longer tremble when you speak in front of an audience and you don’t run out of breath with anxiety. It’s all in the breathing, we promise.
Looking for more tips? Get the full session recording and practice along with Cynthia who shows the difference between belly and chest breathing.
Now you know that mastering your breath and developing a full voice can be a game-changer. Voice is a physical asset, and it can be trained to amplify your presentation skills. If you feel like you can improve your public speaking skills, don’t hesitate to join us at the upcoming hybrid edition of Present to Succeed. We’re joining forces with industry experts and inspiring communication coaches to help your ideas be heard.
Join Present to Succeed - the biggest presentation skills conference in the world
Whether you are part of an organization or running a business, how your slides look will always factor in your success. Learn how to become an influential speaker by joining our 20+ industry-leading speakers’ sessions.
Start engaging your audience better and influencing them to embrace your concepts, hire you, or buy your products. Now is the best moment to get your ticket!
Join Present to Succeed - the biggest presentation skills conference in the world
Whether you are part of an organisation or running a business, how your slides look will always factor in your success. Learn how to become an influential speaker by joining our 20+ industry-leading speakers’ sessions.
Start engaging your audience better and learn how to influence them to embrace your concepts, hire you, or buy your products. Get your ticket now!
