Jody Miller, FMP's Head of TV/Video Production
Your voice is a far more powerful tool than you may know.
This is your instrument to transmit emotion, attitude, and connection. And if used properly, it will help you engage your audience and motivate them to take action. Ultimately, this can lead to generating more qualified leads.
Below are five simple things you can do to improve your delivery and engage your audience...
#1 Pitch: Pitch is the highness or lowness of your voice.
A high pitch can sound sharp like a whistle. It comes from your nose and upper chest and is referred to as your soprano voice. High pitch is good to use when you’re talking about something exciting.
A low pitch is like a bass guitar. It comes from your diaphragm and conveys authority and credibility. It’s your alto voice. Note: Don’t solely rely on this style of delivery as you could sound monotone and lose your prospect’s attention.
Match your pitch to the words you’re saying. Think of an elevator when you do this.
If you’re speaking about something exciting like saving taxes, use your soprano voice. If you’re talking about something serious like the effect of inflation on retirement savings, then use your alto voice. Go up and down the elevator depending on the words and the message.
#2 Tone: Tone is how you express your voice. It adds attitude to your words and affects how your message is perceived.
For example, a friendly tone conveys openness (especially when you smile). A constant formal tone can seem distant. The goal is to be conversational, but emphasize certain points with authority (alto voice).
#3 Volume: Volume is the loudness or softness of your voice. Varying volume can express different emotions and emphasize certain points. Don’t yell, but be emphatic with certain words and softer with others.
#4 Pauses: Pauses are a secret weapon. A brief break in your speech signals a change in topic or gives the listener time to process information. Use pauses when you want viewers to “lean in” closer to what you have to say next.
Example of combining Volume and Pause…
Do you know what your biggest expense will be in retirement (slightly louder voice)? PAUSE. It’s taxes (softer voice).
Do you remember listening to Rush Limbaugh on the radio? Rush was a master at using long, pregnant pauses (while tapping his pen) to draw you into the conversation. He used it as a tool to keep his listeners engaged.
#5 Pace: Pace is the speed of your speech. Vary your pace to create urgency, emphasize important points, and keep your audience engaged.
Practice these techniques in a mirror several times before your next recording session. Ask for feedback from your colleagues or coach.
If you follow these strategies, you will immediately make your next performance more engaging and memorable.
Get a free TV/Video performance analysis by emailing me at Jody@FinancialMarketingPros.com
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