There are a number of factors which can affect our effective communication. People do not understand us not just because our pronunciation of English word is not standard; there are other reasons. Based on my experience, voice projection is extremely important in effective communication.
What is voice projection? It is the way you send your voice to your audience. When you talk to others, do not act like you are talking to yourself. Your purpose is to have your voice to be reachable by the person sitting in the last raw of a room or stadium.
How to project your voice effectively?
First, your voice needs to be loud enough. One of my colleagues speaks English with heavy Chinese accent. Sometimes, his pronunciation is not perfect. However, people understand him pretty well because he is aloud. Incorrect pronunciation together with whispering (in teacher’s word: 说小话) will kill your talk.
Second, use more your chest cavity (胸腔) to produce your vice. A voice that creates physical resonance (共鸣) will reach farther and sound more pleasant. In addition, lean forward your upper body a little bit as if you try to shorten the distance between you and your audience.
Third, try to mimic the way politicians talk; However, do not follow the G.W. Bush. Watching channel CSPAN will help.
Thank you!
QinHwang
May 9, 2007
