A shaky voice can be a big deal, both if you have to speak in public, or if you have an important one-on-one conversation. By following the steps below you will learn to stop the shaking of your voice, and to discover a new, more self-confident you!
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Part 1: Prepare for the Speech
Step 1. Learn to control your breath
Shaking of the voice is usually caused by irregular breathing. When you feel your voice begin to crack, take deep breaths, and consciously slow the pace of your breathing until it returns to normal.
- Don't wait to finish the sentence to catch your breath. Without oxygen the voice does not come out, so breathe as often as you need it.
- Learn to take deep breaths, using your diaphragm. Only by breathing in this way can you control your nervousness, and turn it into a positive stimulus. A shallow or sluggish breathing typical of the majority of the population only increases stress.
Step 2. Be prepared for the material you need to exhibit
Whether you need to speak in public or convey an important message to someone, prepare for all topics in advance.
- Feeling comfortable with the topics discussed makes exposing them much easier. Good preparation will help you feel confident and prevent your voice from starting to shake.
- Practice aloud, and record, possibly with the help of a video camera, and then study the recording thoroughly. The video camera is the best tool for perfecting your display skills.
Step 3. Get rid of excess energy
Go for a run, or brisk walk around the block, before speaking or performing in public, or engaging in a challenging discussion. Releasing some nervous energy early is an excellent way to stop shaking when you are nervous.
Method 2 of 2: Part 2: Things to Remember During the Speech
Step 1. Be confident
Even if you are nervous, try to convey confidence as you speak. Pretend until you can ("Fake it til you make it"), as the famous saying goes!
- Instead of focusing on the fear of making trouble, focus on the goal of conveying self-confidence and authority with the tone of your voice: you will be able to give an impression of great competence, and your arguments will have more weight.
- Remind yourself of your good communication skills. You are more than capable of communicating in everyday life without your voice shaking, so order your nervous system to remember this before tackling a stressful speech or situation.
Step 2. Raise your voice
The volume of the voice is a key factor to be taken into account in order to master communication. Remember that a good speech must be heard well, while those who speak in a low voice easily convey nervousness.
Step 3. Make eye contact
Looking the other person in the eye communicates confidence, and helps you establish contact with the person, or people, to whom you are addressing.
- If you are giving a speech in public, keep eye contact with the entire audience, as if you were talking face-to-face with everyone in the audience.
- Alternatively, you can focus on a reassuring face, such as that of a family member or partner, and speak directly to them.
Step 4. Maintain a straight posture
Hunched shoulders and a sagging posture can also convey nervousness. Maintaining an upright posture, on the other hand, helps you look more confident, and also help you breathe more deeply.
Step 5. Slow down, and remember to breathe
If you slow down the pace of your speech by regaining control of your breath, your voice will not tremble or crack anymore.
