How to Speak More Clearly
Clear speech isn’t just about pronunciation — it’s about confidence, presence, and connection.
Whether you're giving a presentation, leading a meeting, or simply introducing yourself in a professional setting, the way you sound matters. If you can not get your ideas across effectively, your professional growth will surely suffer at some point.
The good news? Clearer speech is a skill — and it can be practiced, improved, and mastered with the right tools.
In my Business English Classes and Communication Coaching Sessions, I help professionals articulate their ideas clearly, reduce filler language, and feel more in control when speaking.
Want to work on your clarity and confidence? Send me a message — I’ll help you get started
If you want to sound more confident and be better understood, start with these 9 strategies!
1. Start with your breath
Many communication problems start with poor breathing. Shallow, anxious breathing leads to rushed sentences, mumbling, and unclear articulation.
✅ Try this: Before speaking, take a deep breath. Let your shoulders drop. Exhale slowly. Do this 2–3 times before an important conversation or presentation.
Your voice starts with your breath. Calm breathing = calmer speech.
2. Adjust Your Posture
How you sit or stand affects how you breathe — and how you sound.
✅ Sit or stand up straight, with your shoulders back.
✅ Keep your feet planted and avoid slouching or curling in on yourself.
✅ This opens your chest, supports your breathing, and helps project your voice naturally.
Bonus: Strong posture signals confidence — even before you say a word.
3. Slow Down — It’s a Superpower
Most professionals I work with speak too fast in English — especially when they're nervous or trying to sound fluent.
But fast doesn’t mean fluent. Fast often means unclear. Instead:
✅ Pause.
✅ Speak slowly.
✅ Let your sentences breathe.
Slower speech gives you space to breathe, think, and sound more intentional — which often makes you sound more fluent, not less.
4. Warm Up Your Mouth Before Speaking
Yes, your mouth needs a warm-up — just like your body before exercise.
✅ Before an important conversation, call, or presentation, try simple vocal warm-ups: stretch your lips, move your jaw, hum, or repeat a few tongue twisters.
This wakes up your articulators (lips, tongue, jaw) and helps with clearer pronunciation. Even two minutes of warm-up can make a big difference in how sharp and professional you sound.
5. Practice Imitation
One of the most effective ways to improve pronunciation and rhythm in English is to copy someone.
✅ Find a speaker you admire: on YouTube, in a film, or on a podcast.
✅ Listen closely. Repeat the sentences exactly. Focus on rhythm, pauses, and tone.
✅ Try shadowing: speak at the same time as the speaker, mimicking every sound.
This helps train your ear and mouth at the same time — and it’s fun.
Need someone to rehearse your next big speaking moment with? book a free consultation to learn how I can help you!
6. Read Aloud — Every Day
Reading aloud is one of the most underrated tools for improving clarity. It helps you slow down, notice your pronunciation, and get used to the rhythm of spoken English.
Start with short, clear texts: articles, blog posts, or even your own emails.
Read them out loud slowly, paying attention to your breath, pauses, and articulation. Bonus: record yourself. It may feel strange at first, but it gives you instant feedback on how you actually sound.
7. Ditch the Filler Words
Like… you know… um… these words sneak into our speech when we’re nervous or unsure. But they often make us sound less confident and less clear.
Instead:
✅ Pause and breathe when you need to think.
✅ Use short, silent pauses instead of “uh” or “you know.”
✅ Practice expressing your thoughts in shorter, clearer sentences.
💡 You don’t need to speak nonstop to sound fluent. You need to speak intentionally.
8. Learn from Public Speakers
Clear speaking is a learnable skill — and there’s no shortage of inspiration.
Watch TED Talks, presentations, or interviews in English. Focus not just on what the speaker says, but how they say it. How do they pause? What body language do they use? How do they signal transitions?
✅ You don’t need to become a TED speaker yourself — but you can learn a lot by observing how professionals control their voice, pace, and presence.
If you want to improve your speaking skills faster and with real feedback, don’t do it alone.
✅ Ask a coach or teacher for help
✅ Practice with someone who can give you constructive feedback
✅ Focus on your real professional situations — not just grammar rules
🎯 Example: If you’re preparing for a presentation or client call, book a 1:1 session and rehearse it. We’ll identify what’s unclear and fix it — together.
Ready to Speak More Clearly and Confidently?
💪 If you’re working in English and want to:
Improve your pronunciation and fluency
Reduce filler words and hesitation
Sound more natural and professional
Get personalized feedback and targeted practice
Then let’s talk. I support professionals across Europe who want to improve their communication, express themselves clearly, and feel more confident in their voice — in English.
✅ Book a free consultation
✅ Learn more about my Speaking Preparation Sessions
✅ Or just message me directly — I’ll help you get started
You don’t need perfect English. You just need to feel clear, calm, and confident.
— Pierre Austin
