Have you ever given a speech? Were you shaking in your shoes? Have you ever attended a Toastmasters Meeting? If you have answered yes or no to any of the questions, read on.

I was at my weekly Toastmasters meeting this week. One of the new members gave her 4 th speech. I thought she gave a fairly good presentation considering the fact - English is her second language. I could actually see her translate each and every word while she spoke.

I know for a fact I could never have done that, especially in front of the room - speaking to an audience.

After her speech she was really upset with her voice. Vocal variety is the key to giving a speech your audience will enjoy listening to. It is a clear way not to put your audience to sleep.

Vocal variety is one of the hardest things to learn. I have listened to many professional speakers, and many have never grasped the process of vocal variety. I listened to her tell the rest of us, how upset she was with her voice. It had been on one even level and was not as loud as it could have been.

But vocal variation comes with:

(1) Practice.

(2) Gaining confidence in yourself.

(3) Know the subject you are speaking about.

(4) It definitely helps if you do not have the complications of having to translate each word spoken from one language into another.

Once this young woman grasps the English language better, and has more practice standing in front of an audience and speaking, she will definitely vary her speaking voice.

When she masters all of the above things, she will gain confidence in herself and she will amaze herself and the audience with her speaking ability. I truly admire the way she wants to improve herself and her English. It takes a lot of courage to stand in front of an audience when the language you are speaking does not flow easily off your tongue.

Another way to help vary your vocal variety while speaking is by reading a children's book to your children or pretend children if none are available. Really exaggerate the voices until you can actually hear your own voice change or make a child laugh or ask for you to keep reading.

Thank you for reading my article. Please feel free to read any of my numerous articles on various subjects.

Copyright Linda E. Meckler 2007

Linda is the author of her first published book, "Ghost Kids Trilogy. "Christy, 12 and her Brother Brad, 16 moves into an old house on top of a mountain and meet two Ghost Kids.

Then we have a mysterious, magical Blue Vase where Uncle Charlie the villain is trapped. He wants out of the Blue Vase and exchange he will tell Christy and Brad where Pirates' Treasure is Hidden.

Take a walk with Christy and Brad down a dark hall hunting for Pirates" Treasure. You will think were you there right there with them.

Love, Family Values and Charity burst off the pages. http://www.lmeckler.com

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