Toning Up Can Enhance Your Body…and Voice

Blog from Tracy Butz of Think Impact Solutions 

You may recall being told when you were very young, “Don’t use that tone of voice with me, Mister (or Missy)!” 

Your voice and accompanying expressions are very powerful tools for communicating when used properly and a friendly tone of voice can make you seem much more approachable and kind.  Think about what a “friendly” voice sounds like to you, as it often provides others with a greater sense of trust and reliance on you.  

So if someone has candidly shared that you need to “sound friendlier” or if you feel you could benefit from portraying a friendlier voice, then read on and try practicing a few of these Toning Tips: 

Toning Tips for Developing a Friendlier Tone of Voice: 

• Slow down the pace of delivery and pause with some frequency.
• Think about the situation from a more positive view.  What you’re thinking can easily come through in the tone of your voice.  Be careful that your thoughts don’t project a different message from the one want to put across.
• Change the word emphasis to reflect a more positive projection, like curiosity, excitement, interest, or responsibility.  By switching what words you stress, you can sound much friendlier. 
• “What would you like me to do about the paper jam?” – A defensive emphasis
• “What would you like me to do about the paper jam?” – Cooperative, willing to help
• “What would you like me to do about the paper jam?” – An apathetic monotone, questionable decision-maker
• Watch how actors you admire project a friendly voice. Think of an actor in a role where you perceived their character as friendly and note the tone, speed of delivery, facial expressions, and body language they present when in character.
• Audio-record yourself speaking. Speak as naturally as possible into some recording device and listen as objectively as you can to determine where you may need to improve. What were your first impressions of your speaking voice?
• Use a video-recorder to play back both your image and sound.  Watch your body language as well as listening to tone of voice because your overall projection is important for displaying a sense of friendliness.
• Ask a close friend or colleague to provide his/her candid opinion of you using your voice both before and after you try to change it.  He/she can offer a more objective opinion than you likely can yourself, which may prove to be very helpful. 

Rather than making a New Years’ Resolution to tone your body, try focusing on enhancing your tone of voice.  It is amazing what a few workouts can do for you…and this choice is far less painful with longer lasting results!