I Speak Too Softly–People Can’t Hear Me

This excerpt is from the book Smart Speaking by Master Speech Coach Laurie Schloff.

The ability to speak softly can be an asset in many situations— when you want to comfort someone, for example, or when you want to project an image of gentle strength. Fred Rogers, of the classic US children’s show, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, proved that you can keep even small children's attention by coming on like a breeze, rather than a barrel of monkeys. 

Whatever your desired image, however, people can't listen to what you say unless they can hear what you are saying. If people often ask you to speak up or don't respond when you speak, you probably need to learn to achieve greater volume.

Sometimes people unconsciously use a soft voice so they won't be heard. Josie, a management consultant, had to give brief periodic progress reports to his boss, a partner in their law firm. At one meeting, his boss remarked that Josie seemed “mousy” when he talked about his work. After we discussed the issue, Josie concluded that he had a habit of lowering his volume when speaking to authority figures. In his convoluted attempt to “hide any mistakes he might have made” (although in truth his work was exemplary), Josie made the biggest one: He gave the impression of being too meek or, as he put it, “not real executive material.”

How to Speak and Be Heard

1. Volume variation. When you are alone, experiment with your volume potential to see what you're capable of. Without straining your vocal muscles, say the phrase “I feel fine” as if you're speaking to someone three feet away, at the other end of a long conference table, a room away from you, and then half a block away. 

2. Enlist a friend or colleague to be your coach for a five-minute conversation across a medium-sized table. In the virtual world, conduct a “volume check” with your conversational partner.

Tell them to signal a need for greater volume by raising an index finger. Do the same exercise with your eyes closed to help you develop a feel for your ideal volume. This time your coach can signal with a verbal cue such as “volume” or “more.” Ask your coach to note any pattern of inaudible volume: You might have a habit of lowering your volume at the beginning or end of sentences or when you're speaking about yourself.

3. Advanced level. Repeat the previous exercise with a radio or TV playing in the background. This will help you adjust volume for a noisier environment.

4. You want the support for volume to come from a relaxed, open throat; breathing focused in the abdominal area; and a mouth kept as open as possible as you speak. Observe and evaluate those checkpoints as you project the following phrases with adequate volume to a spot in the room ten feet away:

“My throat is relaxed.”

“I'm breathing deeply and relaxed.” 

“My voice is filling my mouth.”

Note: Aim for a pleasant volume without yelling or straining. Think of how Barack Obama   is able to be heard without being the slightest bit harsh.