Do you know what you sound like when you speak? Does your voice reflect the message you are trying to convey? Do you hurry your speech or gasp for air? Is the volume appropriate? Whether you are speaking to a single person or a group, consider how you want your message to be received and whether your voice and style helps you achieve this.

A perfect example was the 2011 Miss Universe pageant. Beautiful, engaging women representing their countries to help and support others. As each one screeched their introduction with their name and country, I grimaced and recoiled in my chair. Interestingly, the winner Miss Angola, didn’t yell out her introduction, could be easily heard and spoke with clarity and confidence.

Listen to the pace, pitch and tone of television or radio news presenters. They share an important message and require your trust. You will note they speak slowly and pause often to allow you to digest the information.

Try this: With a friend, speak their name and ask them to confirm they can hear you. Take a step back and say their name again, can they still hear you? Keep going and see what effort you actually need. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we usually speak loudly and quickly. You will be surprised how softly you can actually speak and still be heard and be effective.

So when you are speaking consider what is the voice you want people to hear and ‘…rethink your potential™’.