Are you like me? You get a new camera, have a play with it, figure out how to take a photo and view it and then basically put the manual in the box and forget about it? It drives my husband mad, especially when I then complain about the bad photos I am taking. Reading the manual saves time (in the longterm), it reduces re-work and generally means you get the best results, first time! Plus it’s good for your marriage. Reading the manual about your voice is equally as important.
Our voice is our tool and we use it for different things. Generally, when we speak we are communicating to achieve something so, like the camera, if we understand our voice, how it works and how to get the best from it then we’ll get the best results each time we open our mouth. So, what does the manual say about our voice:
Step 1) Be aware – record your voice and critically analyse it. If you know your sound then you have an advantage over 90% of the population who haven’t.
Step 2) Be committed and work through the different exercises - breathing, articulation, pace, tone. A good voice takes time and effort.
Step 3) Be adventurous – take risks with your voice, try out different things like singing or acting to realise the scope of your voice and then take it to the next level.
Step 4) Be prepared – look after your voice so that when you need it, it’s in tip top condition – keep hydrated, have some throat lozenges in your pocket and avoid caffeine before an important meeting or presentation.
I am not the best ‘manual reader’ and never will be (sorry Tim) but the one ‘manual’ I did read from cover to cover and keep close at hand is the one I have developed around looking after my voice and my success speaks for itself.
