Do you speak English softly? Do you speak louder in your own language? I’ve come across a few people recently who actually spoke English very well in terms of grammar and vocabulary, but they spoke in a much softer tone.
If this is you, then you might not come across as interesting or confident at a party or business meeting if we’re straining to even hear you in conversation.
Naturally it may depend on the situation you are in, but overall just speaking a little louder and projecting your voice will help give people a more positive impression of you. It can make you seem more confident, and with time, you yourself may even feel more confident as a result.
I can imagine some Czech students may say “I don’t want people to hear my mistakes.” It’s understandable to think this, but by speaking softer you’re telling yourself and the world that your opinion doesn’t matter.
Next time raise your voice even by 10% and keep it there. Smile too.
You may be surprised that sometimes that best way to improve your communication goes beyond mere grammar and words.
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Photo credits
Image Jenavieve Marie
Licence CC by 2.0
Sergio says
And how about the speed? Does speaking fast have anything to do with fluency improvement?
David Sweetnam says
Hi Sergio
Good question. I’m actually writing a massive guide on ‘English confidence’ and will publish it in about a week, and I briefly answer this question.
In some contexts, like speaking with friends in the pub, you’ll be more likely to make a quick joke and speak a little quicker.
However in other contexts you can communicate ‘a higher value’ of yourself by taking the time to slow down your speech (and if you’re a guy, to speak in a lower tone).
I just googled ‘George Clooney’ and note this interview. He doesn’t speak quicker – he knows he’s a man you want to hear, and so he slows it down a little (go to 1:30):
Marcelo says
I think I usually speak in a moderate tone with my friends, as you said, it depends on the sittuation/ocasion, however, my tone goes up a bit when I’m laghing a lot with my friends hehe
David Sweetnam says
>I think I usually speak in a moderate tone with my friends, as you said, it depends on the sittuation/ocasion, however, my tone goes up a bit when Iโm >laghing a lot with my friends hehe
Hey Marcelo
Nice to see you back. Yeah, I guess that’s a different situation when you’re laughing ๐ with friends. In northern Australia, for example, there’s one accent with a noticeable, rising intonation, and it doesn’t sound as good (it can sound like you’re asking a question instead of making a statement).
Marcelo says
Ops, *laughing ๐
Francisco Javier says
I think that’s essential if you’re a teacher. Even so, you might have a hard time getting your students’ attention.
David Sweetnam says
>I think thatโs essential if youโre a teacher. Even so, you might have a hard time getting your studentsโ attention.
Hi Francisco
Thanks for your comment – do you suggest any other strategy to your students on how to sound more confident?
Monika says
Great point David! Agree, it really matters if you play with your voice. And when you sound confident, sometimes it doesn’t matter much what you say;-) It even helps if you practise speaking loudly for yourself – in english of course. Can recommend it:-)
David Sweetnam says
Hi Monika
Welcome back to you too ๐ That’s a good tip – do you do this regularly?
David
…
Monika says
I do ๐ Always when I practise english, I speak aloud – sure when no one’s at home ๐ it’s the best training!
David Sweetnam says
I just saw this comment again Monika. I noticed on Friday you’ve been doing some kind of practice at home – your accent is becoming more English! I wonder if it’s by having an Australian teacher it’s forced you to listen to the BBC all night ๐