It’s how you say it. We are all born with a particular tone of voice, which we can learn to improve. The goal is to sound upbeat, warm, under control, and clear. Here are some tips to help you begin the process. Number one: breathe from your diaphragm. Number two: drink plenty of water to stay hydrated; avoid caffeine because of its diuretic effects. Number three: posture affects breathing, and also tone of voice, so be sure to stand up straight. Number four: to warm up the tone of your voice, smile. Number five: if you have a voice that is particularly high or low, exercise it by practicing speaking on a sliding scale. You can also sing to expand the range of your voice. Number six: record your voice and listen to the playback. Number seven: deeper voices are more credible than higher-pitched voices. Try speaking in a slightly lower octave. It will take some practice, but with a payoff just as radio personalities have learned. Number eight: enlist a colleague or family member to get feedback about the tone of your voice.
