How to Pretty Much Nail the Commanding Voice Thing
The most productive form of communication is a give and take exchange. However, there are times when it is necessary to issue directives to a large group and the power of a commanding voice is essential in these circumstances.
A properly delivered directive will be understood by everyone in the vicinity. Proper directives have a tone, cadence, and snap that bring about a willing, correct and immediate compliance.
The military has had a lot of practice in this areas and has developed the technique extensively. There system follows these general guidelines.
Voice Control.
The volume of the voice is adjusted to the number of persons present. Normally, the speaker would position himself as near as possible to the front and center of the group and speak facing the group so that his voice carries to reach everyone.
The voice must have carrying power, but excessive stress on the vocal chords is unnecessary and harmful. Typical indications of forcing the voice is an unconscious tightening of the neck in an attempt to force out sound. Resulting commands become garbled and unclear. Improvement comes through proper posture, breathing, and correct use of throat and mouth muscles. As well as an assumption of a presence of confidence.
The best position for issuing firm directives is standing erect with the heels together, knees together but not locked, stomach in, chest out, shoulders back, with the arms at the sides. Rather like the military position of attention. A slouched or relaxed posture will not be met with the same attentiveness.
The breath should originate in the diaphram, the throat, mouth and nose act as resonators and amplifiers to add timber and projection to the voice.
Distinction.Use the teeth, lips, and tongue to for separate sounds for each word and distinct syllable. Directives can be pronounced clearly without the loss of command effect. To make effective commands, enunciate clearly and make full use of the lips, tongue and lower jaw.
Practice giving directives slowly and distinctly. Then gradually increase rate of speed, maintaining the distinction of enunciation.
Inflection.Begin with a natural pitch of voice. Otherwise you’ll have no place to go when you wish to change inflection.
Directives such as “Let’s Begin” or “That is All” should be stated without inflection in the voice of normal conversation.
Cadence.
A uniform and rhythmic flow of words is necessary so that everyone in the group will be able to understand the directives and will know what to expect next.
This predictability creates a comfort level on the part of the listening group that is extremely valuable especially in situations of stress and confusion.