Some of the professional people who come to me for help with changing the way they speak sometimes struggle in the beginning. The reason for this is that for years we have all spoken on autopilot and developed sometimes poor speech habits. We don’t really pay much attention to how we actually speak or what it sounds like to others until something changes. This could be a promotion at work or a change of career.

The basics of speech are very deeply embedded in us, right from the word go. We learn from close family, from playmates, teachers, peers and colleagues as we get older. We learn what is acceptable as a tone of voice and the way of speaking which keeps us out of trouble.

When someone like me, a voice coach, comes along and begins suggesting changes to how you breathe, for example, or how to use your tongue, your lips or your teeth – it can be a bit overwhelming.

However, just like when we learn to drive, or make a cup of tea or even use a smartphone, it takes time to master the basics of good speech. In the same way, changing old habits to make your speech better takes time. First it is important to get your muscles working in coordination. Take driving, for example, how difficult was it to get clutch control for a hill start at the very beginning? At what point did the gear stick need to be moved to change to a higher or lower gear? Over time and with lots of practise, those basic driving skills were mastered and the same applies to learning how to make a cup of tea, or getting to grips with getting a new piece of software to function. And indeed, to speaking well, or, good speech.

As we enter the workplace and begin to develop our skills in our jobs, there comes a time when our voices benefit from being developed too. Instead of being the new intern, or the inexperienced junior manager or supervisor, we become accomplished in our thinking and managerial skills and begin to lead a team. We are also asked to make presentations and share information.

At this point, our voices usually haven’t had too much practise at more formal speaking scenarios. When you make a speech in front of others, there’s a lot to think about. How and when to breathe is one of the most important skills to be developed, as well as varying your tone and sounding in control. When you breathe in, you are feeding oxygen to your brain and ideas form. As you breathe out, the idea or thought becomes words which you express as you are breathing out. Take your time and practise speaking on the outbreath, immediately after you have breathed in. Impressing your team and impressing your managers is really important and taking your time to express one thought at a time will help.

Using a varied vocal tone as well as positive body language also plays a big part in how well your communication succeeds.

One important thing to remember which should help to give you confidence, is that the people listening to you – your staff or clients – have never heard what you are about to say. Never! Your words and the way you speak them are unique to you. You are giving them the benefit of your knowledge and wisdom, which might be really familiar to you, but to others, the information that you impart could make a massive difference to how they subsequently work for you and your organisation.

Another good tip is to remember to keep rehearsing your speech. Instead of just reading it out many times, break your speech into chunks. Take the first chunk, let’s call it the introduction. When you welcome people to the venue, for example – really think about what it means to welcome someone. Be in the moment, welcome them truly, be warm, smile and take time to look at your audience and engage with them. The same goes if you are thanking someone. Say the words with meaning, really express gratitude with your tone and body language and you will feel a connection with the people to whom you are speaking – and they in turn will feel a connection with you.

When you are preparing to speak to a group of people, it’s important to remember that these new habits take time to form and it is tempting to get a speech over with as soon as possible and sit down again. Rushing through your words can be a waste of time; new information takes time to process by your audience. If you gallop through your speech, most of the information will go straight over people’s heads. Allow your speech to create impact and sink in by slowing down and remembering to take a new breath at the beginning of each new sentence. Breathe in, then speak.

If you have a strong accent, then it is even more important to slow down your speech to help your listeners process your words and understand the important points you are making.

Speaking slowly and remembering to take a breath before you begin to speak the next sentence are new speaking skills and ones which will take time to learn before they become second nature.

Just like learning clutch control when you had your driver’s L plates on, new speaking skills take time to master, but once you’ve got them, you’re on the road leading to the super highway of communication.

For more information on how to develop good speech habits, get in touch.