Speaking Clearly

Your voice is crucial to the impression you make and if you use your voice skilfully, you can sound confident, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Always speak in a natural, clear and steady voice, and don't deviate from your normal speaking rate, volume, rhythm, pitch or resonance. Nervous applicants are often unable to control their pitch and volume and may have weak, soft, hesitant or trembling voices. They may use nervous mannerisms such as clearing their throats or saying "Erm ..." and "Uhh ..." to an excessive degree and often attempt to hide their insecurity by speaking in complex, involved sentences. On the other hand, confident candidates have relaxed, warm and well-modulated voices that allow them to express enthusiasm and interest during discussions.

Practise saying some of the statements that you have prepared about yourself and make a recording so that you can listen to your voice. Vary the words you emphasise and the way you say them.

Speaking Dos and Don'ts

Don't:

• Mumble
• Cover your mouth as you speak
• Talk too quickly
• Speak in monotone
• Stiffen your jaw
• Talk to your shoes
• Use bad language or slang

Do:

• Pause and take a deep breath before speaking
• Speak clearly, open your mouth
• Speak ever so slightly slower than normal
• Vary the tone to add interest
• Sound positive: use phrases such as "I can", rather than "I think I can..."

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