How to Make Your Voice Sound Nice: Vocal Tips from Pros

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Tips & tricks to get the voice of your dreams
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After hearing your own voice, do you often think to yourself, “Is that what I really sound like?” Like many of us, you might cringe when you listen to a recording of yourself. The good news is that you're not stuck with the voice you have now, even if you're an adult. Almost every aspect of your voice, from its depth to its volume, can be altered with enough practice. The way you speak is just a matter of vocal habits, which can be changed and improved. Keep reading to learn exactly how to do this, with tips from voice and speech coach Patrick Muñoz and vocal therapist Amy Chapman, MA, CCC-SLP.

How to Make Your Voice Sound Nice

According to voice and speech coach Patrick Muñoz, you should first identify what kind of voice you have by listening to a recording of yourself. Decide what your voice goals are moving forward. Do vocal relaxation exercises, like massaging your jaw and yawning widely, and practice your breathing.

Section 1 of 3:

Examining Your Current Voice

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  1. The first step towards improving your voice is to get a good sense of what your voice is like now. There are six main characteristics that make up someone's vocal profile: [1]
    • Volume: How loud do you speak?
    • Articulation: Do you slur your words or mumble?
    • Voice quality: Is your voice nasally, breathy, or raspy?
    • Overall pitch: Do you speak in a shrill, high tone or a deep, low pitch?
    • Pitch variation: Do you speak in a monotone voice?
    • Speed: Do you speak too quickly or too slowly?

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Patrick Muñoz is an internationally recognized voice and speech coach based in Los Angeles. He focuses on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting, and speech therapy.

    Amy Chapman, MA, CCC-SLP is a vocal therapist and singing voice specialist. She is a licensed and board-certified speech & language pathologist who has dedicated her career to helping professionals improve and optimize their voice.

  2. To get a better sense of what your current voice is like, you need to record it and listen to it. This may not be fun, as a lot of people don't like the sound of their recorded voice, but this is much closer to what people actually hear when they listen to you. Record your voice using your smartphone, and then play it back and listen for the details that make up your vocal profile: your volume, articulation, quality, pitch, variation, and speed. [2]
    • Recording and listening back to your voice will allow you to get an enlightening, objective look at what you really sound like to others. Take note of anything you don’t like about your speaking voice, like mumbling, filler words, or a nasally quality. Write down everything you notice.
    • Apple’s Voice Memo app or Google’s Voice Recorder app are both free options.
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  3. Look at your notes about your voice.. Then think about how you want your voice to be in comparison. Muñoz says, “It's not even about changing your voice, it is about growing your voice. So many people speak right from the throat, and so their voices aren't really fully embodied. That’s only a part of how they really sound.” He adds that “many people don't use the full range of their voice, they just use maybe 2, 3, or 4 notes.” [3]
    • Not everyone is going to have the same goal voice. For example, women with particularly low and raspy voices might want to raise their overall pitch and achieve a smoother vocal quality, while men with high, fast voices might want to slow down and deepen their speech. [4]
    • When it comes to dealing with a raspy voice, Chapman says, “Learning how to bring your cords together in a lighter, easier, healthier manner can help your raspiness.” [5] She adds, “Speaking in a more resonant way, meaning bringing the resonance more forward in your face, can make you feel as though your voice is less raspy and you're straining less to use your voice.” [6]
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Section 2 of 3:

Projecting Your Best Voice

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  1. Speech starts with breath, so good speech starts with good breathing. Ideally, you want to breathe from your diaphragm, slowly and steadily, at all times. Start practicing by placing a hand on your stomach and breathing deeply so that your stomach rises and falls with each breath. Muñoz notes how important breathing is in changing your voice: “Oftentimes, a higher voice is because we're constricting, so breathing deeply, relaxing your throat and body [helps]. You’ll notice how suddenly your voice is much more rounded and resonant.” He shares that these are all exercises you can do daily that only take a few minutes. [7]
    • Another breathing exercise you can do is to read a paragraph with a mix of long and short sentences. Use just one deep, single breath for each sentence, exhaling gradually as you read out loud. Then take a breath and start the next sentence. This is just an exercise to improve breath strength. This isn't how you should try to talk normally. [8]
  2. Faster speech will make you sound less confident and will make it harder to be understood. One way to improve the quality of your voice immediately is just to slow down. Practice by reading anything out loud, first with your normal speaking speed, and then slowed down. Another way to practice is to read off a list of numbers as if it were a long phone number, writing them in the air with your finger as you go. This is the ideal speed for natural, clear speech. [9]
  3. Depending on where your natural pitch and pitch variety are right now, you may need to work on this a lot or just a little. Work on your overall pitch by consciously trying to speak in a lower tone, as often as you can remember. It's important to do this gradually, though, just around a half-tone lower at a time. According to Muñoz, “Find the higher and lower pitches in your voice, and then let them combine— that’s going to grow a person's voice.” He explains that “the majority of people don't use the full range of their voice.” Two ways to practice this are the following exercises: [10]
    • Practice saying a two-syllable word over and over with varying pitch changes. There are four types of pitch changes: rising pitch, falling pitch, rising up then down, and falling down then up. [11]
    • Repeat a sentence over and over, and change which word gets the emphasis. For example, say "I didn't steal the bike," first by emphasizing that it wasn't you who stole the bike, then by emphasizing the "didn't," then by implying that you did something to the bike besides stealing it, and then by implying that you stole something other than the bike.
  4. Practice talking with a more relaxed mouth and jaw. The best way to do this is to practice on your own, exaggerating the normal movements of your face as you speak. Open your mouth wide when you make "oh" and "ah" sounds, and let your jaw move low. Add this to your daily voice practice routine. Muñoz even encourages you to massage your jaw: “Many people have muscle tension in their jaws, so, by massaging the jaw, you're releasing that tension.” [12] [13]
    • When you massage the sides of your jaws, you’re “opening up that space in your mouth, relaxing those muscles, and allowing the breath to come into a deep place, creating nice open channel through your mouth,” adds Muñoz. [14]
  5. If your voice isn't relaxed, you're going to be speaking from your throat instead of your diaphragm, and your voice will come out tense, harsh, and forced. Muñoz says, “When you relax your muscles, the vocal cords are expanding and stretching and you're getting your breath to be nice and deep.” Follow this method several times a day to relax your voice: [15]
    • Start by placing your hands on your throat and talking normally, noting any tightness in your throat and jaw. [16]
    • Make a big yawn and let your jaw fall as low as it will comfortably. End the yawn by saying "ho-hum." Continue the "hum" for several seconds with your lips shut, and as you do so, move your jaw from side to side and let it hang a little. Do this several times.
    • Say the words "hang," "harm," "lane," "main," "lone," and "loom." Exaggerate your facial movements as you do so. Yawn again whenever your throat gets a little tired.
    • Use your fingers to softly knead your throat muscles.
    • Relax your throat as you repeat the following sounds slowly: "nay," "nay," "nee," "no," "noo."
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Section 3 of 3:

Improving Your Voice Further

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  1. To really work on the details of your voice, you need to once again record yourself talking. Record yourself reciting a long paragraph out loud, doing your best to use a relaxed, slow, articulate voice. Then listen to this recording and make note of what areas your voice still falls short in. Practice saying those parts of the paragraph better, and then rerecord your voice. Compare the first recording to the second and note the improvements. Repeat this process until you are happy with the way your recorded voice sounds saying that paragraph. [17]
    • Do this exercise often to target the specific things about your voice that you want to improve the most.
    EXPERT TIP

    Patrick Muñoz

    Voice & Speech Coach
    Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association.
    Patrick Muñoz
    Voice & Speech Coach

    What should I drink to have a good voice? Patrick Muñoz, a voice and speech coach, explains: "You should drink a lot of water, at least 64 ounces a day. You also want to avoid drinking too much caffeine, which can tighten your voice, and acidic drinks, which can dry out your voice. Dairy products can add a coating to your throat, affecting your voice."

  2. Download some podcasts and audiobooks and take some time to listen to the way they speak. Listen carefully to the control they have over their voice, the way they articulate and move their pitch up and down. Part of developing a good voice is getting familiar with what a good voice sounds like. And, people naturally learn from example, so listening to good speakers regularly will start to have an effect on your own voice.
  3. The best and most effective way to improve your voice is through professional voice coaching. Find a voice coach in your locality and book an assessment. Once you're seeing the coach, you'll discover new ways to project and improve your voice. [18]
  4. These can be a great way to improve the way that your voice comes across. Singing and speaking are very closely related, so improvement in one area will carry over to improvement in the other. Search online for singing lessons near you.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What should I eat to have a beautiful voice?
    Patrick Muñoz
    Voice & Speech Coach
    Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association.
    Patrick Muñoz
    Voice & Speech Coach
    Expert Answer
    You should eat a healthy, balanced diet, which is good for your body and your mind. Eating well and getting plenty of rest will help you keep a positive mindset. To have a beautiful voice, you need to consciously choose to do so.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How do I make my voice sound better?
    Patrick Muñoz
    Voice & Speech Coach
    Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association.
    Patrick Muñoz
    Voice & Speech Coach
    Expert Answer
    Speak from your center, not from your throat. Learn to resonate your voice (feel the vibrations) throughout your chest and head. Practice slowing down your speech, articulating your words, and speaking dynamically with feeling and conviction.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    What should I drink to have a good voice?
    Patrick Muñoz
    Voice & Speech Coach
    Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association.
    Patrick Muñoz
    Voice & Speech Coach
    Expert Answer
    Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. For every caffeinated beverage you drink (which dries out your body), drink twice as much water. A great way to relax and loosen up your voice is to drink a mug of hot water mixed with honey and lemon.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
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      • If your voice cracks, drink more water. Not only will it help, but it's good for you, too. Room temperature water is ideal.
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      • Be confident in your voice! Don't let insecurity about the sound of your voice keep you from talking. The more people hear your voice, the more they will start to love it.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Avoid trying to fake an accent during your normal speech because it may sound odd if it didn't develop naturally.
      • Be confident that you have a great voice. Don't worry about what other people say about your voice.
      • Be careful not to strain your voice because it will crack and could hurt your voice box.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/communication-success/201406/how-to-strengthen-improve-the-sound-of-your-speaking-voice
      2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/communications-that-matter/202101/why-you-need-to-pitch-your-voice-lower
      3. ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/speak-with-confidence/
      5. ↑ Amy Chapman, MA. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ Amy Chapman, MA. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview
      8. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9445-diaphragmatic-breathing
      9. ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/how-to-talk-slower/
      1. ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/relationships/communication/nonverbal-communication
      3. ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ https://ccdn.toastmasters.org/medias/files/department-documents/education-documents/199-your-speaking-voice.pdf
      5. ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/stress/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief
      8. ↑ https://ccdn.toastmasters.org/medias/files/department-documents/education-documents/199-your-speaking-voice.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/communication-success/201401/how-to-improve-the-sound-of-your-voice

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to have a nice voice, strengthen your breath by taking 1 deep breath for each sentence you say, and releasing that breath slowly as you speak. Then, practice relaxing your voice by exaggerating the way you articulate words and opening your jaw more when you speak. At that point, you can start practicing with your pitch and tone by emphasizing different words in a sentence like, “I didn’t steal the bike,” so it means different things. Read more to learn the common areas that need improvement and where you can find voice lessons!

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