Sing It to Speak Better
Sing it! Now hear me out—I’m not suggesting you serenade your department with last quarter’s earnings. But singing your speech can be a surprisingly effective way to improve your vocal delivery.
Connect Words with Breath
When you sing, your words ride on a continuous stream of air. This strengthens your breath support and makes your voice more resonant, helping your sound carry across the room.
Try the ABC Exercise
Try this: speak the alphabet, ABCDEFG. Now sing it. Then try a mix of speaking and singing. Notice a smoother, richer quality? Your voice sounds more polished and confident, with vowels lingering just long enough to allow dynamic pitch changes.
Power Through Proper Breath Support
If your voice feels too quiet or lacks power, don’t push harder from your throat. Instead, use diaphragmatic breathing—the kind you naturally engage when singing.
Why It Works
Better breath support gives you control, reduces tension, and allows your sound to flow freely. If you’re unsure how to breathe from your diaphragm, spend time practicing—it’s the foundation of strong, confident speech.
Calm Nerves and Ground Yourself
Nerves can hijack even the most practiced speaker. Diaphragmatic breathing slows your body with its gentle, rhythmic pattern.
Focus on the Present
Focusing on your breath pulls you back to the present, grounding you when your thoughts race. Establishing proper breathing habits during practice helps your body remember the feeling of calm, controlled delivery when you’re in front of an audience.
Make Your Phrasing Sing
We naturally think in phrases, not isolated words. When you sing your phrases, you give each word its own “note,” creating a melody that evokes emotion and meaning.
Engage Your Listeners
Skillful phrasing makes your speech as compelling as a singer’s performance. You’ll engage your listeners, making your words more memorable—be the Frank Sinatra of the boardroom!
Engage Your Whole Brain
Singing activates both sides of your brain—the creative, imaginative right side and the logical, orderly left side.
Fresh, Authentic Delivery
Practicing your material by singing a few phrases before speaking them helps you express yourself more fully. Your delivery feels fresh, authentic, and surprisingly dynamic—capturing attention naturally.