Just How Good Is Your Diction?

While it is true that most people do not like to hear themselves on recording equipment because they do not like or recognize the sound of their speaking voice, there is another group of people who are also surprised by their lack of clear diction. And it does not just happen to those in which English is not their first language. It happens to those in which English is their native tongue.

• Being able to speak the language of the country in which you are living is very important.
• Being understood when you speak the language of the country in which you are living is more important.

If you have difficulty understanding yourself when you listen to a recording of your voice, then it is safe to say that others are not understanding your words either.

I worked with a woman who was head of a biochemistry lab at a major hospital and who was shocked when she listened to herself giving a presentation. Originally from China, she had lived in the US for almost 20 years. Her English was excellent; however, her diction was deplorable. She realized that she was not being asked to make presentations because of her diction: she needed to enunciate her words more distinctly. Born and raised in India, a realtor not only spoke unclearly, but he talked so softly that his voice was no greater in volume than that of a whisper. In addition, his speed was much too fast. He knew that his lack of sales was a result of poor articulation. A young man who hailed from Texas was guilty of mumbling to the point that his boss told him if he didn’t improve his speaking skills, he would no longer have a job with that particular firm.

Voice training for each one of these individuals improved their lives dramatically. The doctor was invited to give more presentations; home sales for the realtor increased; and, the Texan kept his job. Not only did all three speak more clearly, but they also discovered a better voice inside of them in which they sounded more mature and projected a more confident image. Being understood when you speak is more important today than ever. With the rapidity of technology and the feverish pace of life today, you often don’t have a second chance to make a good impression. Don’t jeopardize your success because of poor articulation. You can make the change.