Here’s a great warm-up exercise to do before a presentation, interview or any important meeting where you want to speak clearly and sound intelligent, and intelligible.

It is very simple, can take less than a minute and improves the clarity of your speech immediately.

Stick your tongue out, and leave it out, then start talking.  Keep your tongue out as you say a nursery rhyme, the first lines of your speech, personal affirmations or any technical terms that you want to be sure to articulate clearly.

(Personally, I find “Mary has a little lamb” works well)

It requires quite an effort to make yourself understood with your tongue poked out.   You’ll have to slow down, and be very deliberate about sounding out each syllable and consonant so that you enunciate every word as clearly as you can. 

But once you finish, and let the tongue go back to its normal place (inside your mouth) you’ll find your enunciation is crisper.

Try it now.  Poke your tongue out.  You may look a bit silly doing it (be aware of your surroundings and who is watching you so you don’t give offence).  Don’t be afraid to laugh – laughter relaxes you and that’s all to the good.

Like this tip?  Feel free to forward it on using the link at the bottom of this e-mail.

Credits: I learned this technique when I took a course with voice coach Nigel Gregory at Morley College in England.   If you are based in England and have the chance to work with Nigel, I highly recommend it.  Here's some information about him on the Incus Associates website.

If you’re based in Christchurch and want to improve your speaking voice then I highly recommend Elizabeth O’Connor.  Elizabeth ran a course for members of the National Speakers Association Christchurch Chapter which garnered rave reviews, and she can also do one to one coaching.  Contact me if you would like Elizabeth’s details.

Today on the Help for Speakers Q and A @ 1 the theme will be speaking to overseas audiences, but you can bring any speaking or marketing related area you'd like to discuss.  Join me by ringing 0800 449 288, and entering the guest code 54052101#.

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To talk to Rachel about coaching, speech-development or training ring +64 3 355 6269, e-mail rachel@HelpforSpeakers.com.

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Ring in if you have a question, need inspiration or ideas for an upcoming presentation, or want to talk about speaking as a way to get business.   From New Zealand call 0800 449 288, from Australia call 1800 036 0901, or 1866 814 521 from the US/Canada and then enter the Guest Access Code 54052101#.   If you wan to ring from the UK, e-mail me, and I'll find a time to talk when we are both awake.