Practice Proper Breathing

Proper breathing is critical to having enough breath to speak clearly -- without  muffled words or slurred endings. This is especially true when you are speaking for any length of time . Without it your voice will become hoarse and muffled


Proper breathing  can be difficult, however -- even for veteran news anchors or reporters -- who you can hear gasping for air on occasion -- unless it becomes  a part of  everyday breathing.  Most of us go through the day  taking in just enough air with shallow chest breathing to keep from collapsing.


If this is a problem you have one way to overcome it is through regular practice of correct breathing.  Start by lying on the floor or mattress. Place your hands on your sides about waist level and take in a deep breath to the count of three or four.


If you are doing this properly you should feel your waist expand as your diaphragm presses downwards on your intestines -- not your chest -- which happens when your breathing is very shallow. Now hold your breath for a few seconds and gradually exhale to that same three to four second count.


Gradually extend the length of these breaths and exhalations making both these of phases of breathing last as long a possible without becoming uncomfortable or breathless.


When you have mastered this correct breathing lying down  stand and start practicing the same thing (or even while sitting). Eventually through regular practice it will all become automatic. You'll feel much better and your speech --even when not in front of an audience will become much clearer.


It can all feel a little awkward at first but it is just like learning to ride that bicycle.






This is the first stage in gaining control of your breathing when making a presentation or. Eventually it will all become automatic when you are speaking, when you want to be focusing on your material -- not your breathing.