As individuals, we demonstrate varying levels of breathiness, hoarseness, raspiness, and nasality. Some conditions are permanent; those afflicted with asthma, for instance.
At times it is a passing ailment, such as when we suffer from a cold. Nearly everyone faces temporary hoarseness or raspiness on occasion. The best advice I can give if you are ill is to slog through it if possible (this assumes that you are not infectious and at risk of passing your germs to your audience when delivering an in person presentation).
No, it will not be your best performance of all time. But unless you are in the Typhoid Mary category, you may be able to do a serviceable job. If you are too sick to perform, you have two options:
- Contact the conference organizer to reschedule your talk.
- Find a capable replacement and concentrate on getting well for your next gig.
Work out in advance which route is best for you and your host. In fact, it’s a good idea to put a clause in your agreement specifying how this will be handled.
Lip Service
I find lip and tongue control and slurring to be related. In fact, this is one of the areas I need to monitor when I deliver long presentations. By afternoon time, my batteries can start to lose their juice. In my case, this tends to manifest itself in lazier action in the lips and tongue, causing articulation to suffer. With this understanding, I know that I must monitor this part of my performance closely.
If you feel that your voice is overly nasal or breathy, vocal coaching can sometimes help. Just understand that changing any articulation patterns in your voice will not occur overnight. You need to commit to the long haul.
Disfluencies Develop
The notion of disturbance frequency involves an excessive use of such place-holders as um, er, ah, and y’know. Nervous noises like sniffles, sighs, giggles, and throat clearing qualify, too. Speech disturbances also incorporate overly long silences.
A high disturbance frequency will lead your listeners to think you have a negative attitude or are trying to deceive them. It is also associated with speakers who deliver a negative message. While this may not be the case with you, audience perception is what matters, so a word to the wise: Knock out distracting noises as much as possible.
Breathe In, Breathe Out
Of course you must project your voice in order to be heard. This means proper breathing is necessary. Breathe with your stomach, lungs, and throat, taking advantage of every ounce of air. You can supercharge your voice if you speak with authority using the diaphragm.
Poor speaking habits leave you with a hoarse voice and sore throat. You will be of little use when the time comes for your next presentation if your pipes are in disrepair.
What is the truth about public speaking? And how can you use it to your advantage?
Get the full scoop when you order The Truth About Public Speaking: The Three Keys to Great Presentations. Available wherever you prefer to buy your books.
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