A Guide to Improve Clarity of Speech

Not every one of us were given a deep voice and clear speaking skills like a radio anchor or a voice talent. Unfortunately, some are even being bullied because of mumbling and unclear speaking.

Mumbling is a common problem, so if you do, you definitely are not alone. This happens especially in everyday speech, and it’s often caused by a lack of openness in your mouth.

Opening your mouth when speaking is a very important tool to be an effective speaker that saves you from the consequences of (1) Weaker Voice, (2) Poor articulation, (3) Speaking too fast and (4) Lack of Credibility; “he’s lying through his teeth”

But, when you practice to speak with a relaxed sense of openness around your mouth and jaw, you will eventually obtain some significant benefits like (1) Stronger voice, (2) Clear articulation (you won’t mumble), (3) Relaxed pace, and (4) You’ll appear stronger, more confident and credible.

It was never a secret that the sound of one’s voice can make a difference between failure and success both in one’s personal and professional life.

Everyone has the potential to have a voice that is distinctively attractive. Even if you currently have voice/ speech problems, you can develop it. Practice jaw and tongue exercises to enhance clarity of speech. Use a mirror to aid you in this step.

Here are jaw and tongue exercises that will help you speak clearer:

1. Breathe in and out exercise. Place your one hand over your tummy. As you breathe in through your nose, your tummy (diaphragm) should expand without your shoulders rising up. And as you breathe out through your mouth, the air from the diaphragm will go out, turning your tummy to its normal size. This will help your vocal chords relax and make your breathing normal. Do it at least 5 times.
2. Stretch out your mouth as you says “A-E-I-O-U”. Repeat 5 times.
3. Look in the mirror as you speak. Try to give at least 2 finger-space in your mouth. Then, try to stress words out like fly, high, name, way, and so on.
4. Now, pick up a book and try to speak loudly with a whole phrase or paragraph. Still, speak each word with at least 2 finger-space in your mouth.
5. Imagine yourself chewing a bubble gum. Not the usual chewing of gum but make it as big as you want it to be. In this section, you’ll definitely need your imagination. Make wide chewing motions while humming gently. Stretch every muscle in your jaw and face. Open your mouth as wide as possible (as if you were about to yawn), while moving your jaw in circles, and sideways.
6. Tongue twisters. Ex. “Six sick hicks nick six slick bricks with picks and sticks.”
   When speaking them, exaggerate the words, making your tongue, jaw and lips work hard. Start off slowly, and gradually build up until you say them at a normal conversation speed. As you become surer of them, begin to project your voice and exaggerate the words. This is very effective because it exercises the tongue extensively. .
7. Gargle lukewarm water with a pinch of salt. This helps relieve tension in the throat. You can do this at least once a day before you brush your teeth.

Try these exercises every day until you feel relaxed doing it. Nothing great can be achieved in just a night so make it a routine to exercise your jaw and tongue.