Record yourself while you talk

The voice is one of the greatest gifts that we human beings have, since with it we caress and also hurt. That is why, in the field of communication, the voice is considered a very important quality. However, we must remember that it is the emotions that give intensity and power to our voice when transmitting a message.

Understanding this is fundamental for those who wish to become good communicators, as it allows them to learn, with dedication and discipline, to transform their voice into a powerful tool that will help them achieve their goals and dreams.

A powerful exercise: One of the most recommended tips for improving public speaking skills is to record yourself speaking. Although this exercise seems simple, it actually has a powerful effect in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of those who want to become effective communicators. It can be done with a cell phone or video camera, as the device itself is not the most important thing. The person should stand at a distance of about one and a half meters and talk naturally about any topic for a few minutes.

Afterwards, it is useful to watch the recording with and without audio, which allows studying both voice and gestures. The person should make a list of all the positive and negative aspects he/she observes, and by receiving guidance from an expert, he/she can improve in different aspects of his/her presentation. In a short time he/she will notice how, by following the indications with discipline, the recordings will show an image closer to the ability to communicate professionally through words.

Prepare in the best way: Consulting a professional is very beneficial, as it saves time and avoids mistakes that could cause irreversible damage. Following a detailed training guided by an expert is the safest way to achieve the objective of preparing the voice to face the different challenges of the communicator's work. In addition, the professional vision of the expert can identify the gestures that support the good result of the work without losing the personal seal, so it is very important to have a receptive attitude towards changes and be willing to receive guidance and correct mistakes.

The main working instrument of a professional speaker is his or her voice. Just as a musician cannot interpret a melody properly if his instrument is out of tune, a communicator cannot transmit an effective message if his voice is not properly prepared. Therefore, it is necessary for communicators to develop healthy habits to take care of their voice in their daily routine, for example:

• Dedicate a few minutes daily to perform vocal warm-up exercises in a relaxed manner.

• Drink plenty of water and avoid the consumption of tobacco and alcoholic beverages.

• Learn to work with breathing, as this is closely related to the quality of the voice we emit.

• It is important to avoid shouting, in case this is a habit, so as not to damage our vocal cords.

• Get enough rest, since the vocal cords, like any other muscle in the body, work better and relax when they are properly rested.

Cultivate a professional attitude: Being a good communicator is not just about having a pleasant voice and an attractive image by fashionable standards. It is about learning to communicate naturally and spontaneously through a solid knowledge base and intelligent, sustained training over time. It is also important to find a rhythm that allows an easy understanding of the message and to pronounce the words clearly and precisely.

Recordings made as self-preparation accurately reflect the way you speak, including vocal nuances, intensity of sound, richness of vocabulary, as well as unconscious gestures that can affect professional performance. The camera hides nothing, which is beneficial for those who wish to master the art of public speaking and become like those who have developed authentic and genuine skills in their work.