How to Use Your Voice

Speak Up in Every Situation

I’m here with so much encouragement to speak up! Your voice is needed now more than ever.

But also acknowledging that finding your voice is more than just mastering speaking skills—it’s about discovering the confidence to share what you have to say in any setting, whether you’re on a stage, in a meeting, or catching up with your network. Using your voice is a powerful tool, and while it involves technical skills, it’s also about trusting that what you have to say is worth hearing.

My journey in *literal* voice training started onstage in high school and college, performing in plays and musicals with scripts, songs, and choreography. Just like athletes commit to practice so they can win real games, I dedicated myself to the theater and got more than my 10,000 hours of practice in. But in transitioning from performing to becoming a communication coach, I discovered the beauty of going off-script. Improv became my language and I took things even farther by focusing on the art of play and the in-the-moment power of gamification. Now, as a public speaker, my favorite moments are the ones that happen spontaneously, in real-time. Voice work is both an art and a science, and I’m here to share some of the ways you can strengthen your own “instrument” and use it with confidence, on and off the stage.

Your Voice as an Instrument

Try thinking of your voice as an instrument and it can start to change the trajectory of how you grow as a speaker. Like any instrument, it takes practice and repetition to bring out your best qualities as a communicator. Back in my college days, studying in New York City and performing Off-Broadway, I learned techniques that transformed my voice from something I used unconsciously into a tool I could shape, control, and rely on. It was rigorous training, combining physiology and vocal range with creative techniques to explore emotion, persuasion, and influence. Each day we’d move from dance to acting to singing to theory classes, then jump into rehearsals and performances at night. It was conservatory training and our professors had one goal: teach us to master our instrument (ourselves!). It was intense, but inspiring, and most importantly the training prepared us for how to achieve peak performance- and sustain it. One of my talented classmates even went on to become a Disney princess (I see you, K. Bell).

Here are a few practical techniques that made all the difference:

• Warm-Ups Matter: Vocal warm-ups are essential to using your voice effectively, even under pressure. Simple warm-up exercises, like humming along with a favorite song, blowing raspberries, or doing lip trills wakes up your vocal cords and help you avoid strain.
• Enunciation is Everything: When each word is crisp and distinct, your message has impact. A fun exercise? Try reading the “Jabberwocky” from Alice in Wonderland as though each word is delicious. Articulate every syllable with intention. This kind of playful practice builds clarity, making your words resonate by being sharp and clear.
• Adjust Your Pace, Tone, and Energy: Variety keeps listeners engaged. Speaking too fast can be overwhelming; too slow, and you risk losing people’s attention. Find a rhythm that feels right for both you and your message, and don’t be afraid to let your tone and energy fluctuate naturally.

And here’s a little secret weapon: practice speaking while you’re moving. It might sound funny, but try rehearsing while throwing a tennis ball, punching a pillow, or even running on a treadmill. Practicing in “extreme” conditions makes real-life speaking feel so much easier. With a little training, your voice becomes a tool you can rely on anywhere.

The Art of Going Off-Script

After college, entering my career, I discovered there’s a huge difference between following a script and speaking in the moment. My early days in theater taught me to bring someone else’s words to life, but improvisation is where I truly found out the power of my own words and ideas. Over the past 20 years, I’ve embraced going off-script, finding that real-time connection in the room is where the magic happens.

To consistently create this level of connection when speaking and presenting, I first have to get out of my own way- avoiding my natural “over-preparation” mode. Doing less took years to master, so if you’re just starting out I totally recommend writing out your entire speech. The key is then to simplify and whittle your ideas down into a robust outline, and eventually into simple bullet points.

To be fully present in the room, I don’t want to get distracted by too many notes and I totally avoid scripted phrases, favoring ideas over exact phrases. At my level now, I like to work from the most minimal bullet points possible to remind me of what’s next. I use simple prompts as “anchors” rather than reading from a full draft—think bullets like “intro: why play?”, “thank sponsors,” “20th floor conference room story,” or “ ask for ah-ha moment.” These quick cues keep me on track without tying me down, letting me focus on connecting with my audience.

Next time you prepare to speak- start with the full vision if you want to, but also try reducing your notes to just a few keywords. It might feel strange at first, but over time, you’ll find that it frees you up to be present, responsive, and fully engaged as a natural storyteller on stage. This technique helps you find the balance between preparation and presence in the moment.

Embracing Your Voice in Any Room

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that everyone’s voice deserves to be heard—whether you’re polished and prepared or simply speaking from the heart. Sometimes, the loudest voices dominate because others hold back. But here’s the truth: we need more voices. Your insights, ideas, and perspectives are worth sharing.

While the speaking tactics I shared before can help, using your voice really begins by trusting that what you have to say is important. It’s about believing that even if you don’t have every word rehearsed or perfectly prepared, you still bring value. One of my personal missions is to empower others to speak up because, honestly, support and encouragement make a big difference here. I don’t completely buy-in to the old cliché that Public Speaking is more feared than death, but if it causes you any level of apprehension, I see you. I’ve been there too. And the good news is that with practice and reinforcement, you can build more confidence than you ever imagined.

So, the next time you’re in a meeting or conversation, try sharing one thought, even if it’s brief. Start building confidence in small ways. Each time you speak up, you’ll find it gets easier—and soon, your voice will be one that others look forward to hearing.

OK, Let’s Play: Your Voice in Action

Ready to take these ideas for a spin? Think of this as a fun way to stretch your voice and build confidence. It might feel a little out of the ordinary at first, but that’s exactly where growth happens. Here are some steps to get started:

Ready: Embrace your voice- commit to practice- even if it feels a little shaky at first.

Set: Let go of perfection and lean into the spontaneity of the moment.

Go:

• Move and Speak: Pick a kinesthetic movement (like bouncing a tennis ball) and practice talking through your main points while doing it. Notice how much easier it feels to speak afterward.
• Bullet Point Practice: Jot down one-word prompts for a short presentation or meeting topic. Use these “anchors” to hit key pints, so you can then practice going off-script.
• Pick Your Moment to Speak: Choose an upcoming conversation where you’ll share one insight or thought you’ve been holding back. Interrupt if you have to- just get in the game.
• Reflect on Your Progress: After speaking, take a moment to appreciate that you used your voice. Each step makes it a little easier and your ideas are worthy.

Your Voice Matters—Step Up and Be Heard

Your voice is your power, and it deserves to be heard. Each time you speak up, even in small ways, you strengthen your ability to make an impact. So go ahead—step into that next room, take the real or metaphorical mic, and add something new to the conversation. Let your voice be loud and clear.

We’re all waiting to hear you!

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Hey there! I’m Blair Bloomston, author of UPLIFTED WEEKLY and your friendly consultant, facilitator, and game-based educator on-call, bringing a passion and penchant for all things play (I’m also alliteratively all-in). As the founder of Leaders Uplifted, I help leaders like you tap into creativity, connection, and confidence to make work feel less like a grind and more like a game. Keep reading with me— I’m here to be your business best friend. Let's go!