Public speaking is not taught in schools, although the ability to persuade and speak in public is essential for professionals in all fields. We have compiled a selection of tips and life hacks for developing diction.
What is diction?
Diction is the degree of clarity of pronunciation of sounds, syllables, and words of our speech. Diction is a kind of basis for the clarity and legibility of what we say. Diction shows a person’s general culture and speech culture. Clear speech is one of the elements of success and attractiveness. This is very important for each of us.
The success of any public speech depends largely on how comfortable the audience is to perceive the speaker. And it’s comfortable only when the listener does not feel stressed about your speech, everything is clear to him, and there is no reason to ask additional clarifying questions. People don’t want to say goodbye to you as soon as possible; they want to listen to you and watch the performance to the end if your diction is perfect. So, how to improve it? Let’s try to figure it out.
Rule 1. “Respect every word”
The most common mistake is when the speaker tries to get the message across to the audience as quickly as possible. This could be due to limited timing, excitement, or fear of being boring. But there is nothing worse than abrupt words and phrases that destroy the script and the idea of the speech.
Often we get scared of long, complex words and begin to swallow and crumple them. It is best to get rid of such constructions altogether. Impossible to throw out? Then, during preparation, it is worth breaking the words into syllables and pronouncing each one separately. You will get used to difficult words, and they will not be intimidating during your speech.
Another life hack is to pause before difficult words and highlight stressed vowels. This will help you not to get lost and not to lose sounds at the time of speech.
Rule 2. Breathe belly and pump the diaphragm
The depth and strength of the voice depend on the respiratory system, primarily on the diaphragm. It is located between the sternum and the peritoneum; the edge conventionally runs along the lower line of the ribs. Diaphragm training allows you not to overload your vocal cords and perform much longer.
Try breathing in and out deeply right now. If the chest and shoulders have risen up, you are breathing through your chest. For the development of diction, it is very important to breathe with the belly. When we breathe with our chest, much less air enters the lungs, which means that the number of words that we can pronounce without gasping for breath is also less. In a state of stress – as during a public speech – breathing quickens, we begin to take frequent and short breaths with our chest. All this also leads to “swallowing” syllables and trying to say everything quickly.
Diaphragm exercise
- Lie on a hard surface and place one palm on your chest near your solar plexus and the other on your stomach.
- Take a deep breath through your nose, inflate your stomach, hold your breath for five seconds.
- Exhale while uttering long: “Pffff.”
- Repeat the exercise ten times.
At first, your head will be dizzy from a large amount of oxygen in the body – do not be alarmed; this is normal. If you practice carefully and regularly, after some time, such breathing will become automatic.
Abdominal breathing will help train diction and improve the work of the cardiovascular system due to the saturation of blood with oxygen, improve ventilation of the lungs, and, in preparation for public speaking, will help relieve stress and not choke on performances.
Rule 3. Develop articulation
Articulation is the formation of sounds using the speech apparatus. With good articulation, you pronounce sounds correctly and clearly. Tongue twisters are great here.
Rule 4. Video
Try video recording your rehearsals to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of your diction. Be very critical of yourself and let a loved one watch the tape for more advice.
Rule 5. Make reminders on the wall
Hang up the text of an upcoming talk, an excerpt from your favorite work, news text, or tongue twisters in a prominent place. Make speech training a part of your daily routine. Remember to practice your breathing using the exercises above. Good luck!