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How Deep Breathing Is Important to Speaking Clearly in American English

Posted On: May 29, 2014

Speaking clearly on the phone or in any situation in English requires good breath control. Every language uses breath differently. Deep breathing in American English will help to project your voice without the use of a microphone, and additionally will help us to:  

• talk slower without sounding unnaturally slow or robotic
• more clearly pronounce certain vowels and consonants (like th, s, b and p)
• increase our volume without shouting
• avoid mumbling
• sit up straight and not bend our neck, as good posture and good breathing help in delivering clear messages.

While some languages and cultures admire a soft-spoken personality, the most successful people in the US have a commanding, approachable and louder voice than you may be used to. Study your clients or American colleagues. How does their voice sound? If you are able to record them (with their permission, for training and confidential purposes), study their patterns, try to mimic them. What do you notice?

In the meantime, spend a few minutes watching the below video that demonstrates breathing exercises you can use to improve your Spoken English and also articulation and pronunciation. Feel free to share your observations in the comments section below.

(This video is courtesy of Rebecca Linquist. This video is not made by Jennifer Kumar, though Jennifer does use some of these techniques with her clients.)

Thank you for spending your time here.

Author, Jennifer Kumar helps Indians with communicating with their American counterparts with more confidence, clarity and ownership, creating better rapport and working relationships. Contact her here.

Related Posts: 
Do I stutter or mumble? 
How to speak slowly and clearly
How to be interesting while speaking in American English 
How to make the P and B sounds in American English