One of the most overlooked yet powerful exercises to develop vocal control for public speaking is reading a book out loud. It might sound simple, but it’s a game-changer when preparing for your best man’s speech.
Why Reading Aloud Works
When you read a book out loud, you naturally use vocal variety without even thinking about it. You pause at key moments, emphasize certain words, and change the rhythm of your speech – all skills that will make your best man’s speech more engaging and impactful.
Try reading a chapter from your favorite book as if you were performing it for an audience. You’ll notice:
- Natural Pauses – When we read, we instinctively pause at commas, full stops, and dramatic moments. This prevents rushed speech and allows the audience to absorb what you’re saying.
- Tone & Emotion – Some sentences require a serious tone, while others call for excitement, humor, or softness. When you read aloud, you begin to understand how to inject emotion into your delivery.
- Vocal Variety – Reading stories helps you practice raising your voice for impact, lowering it for effect, and even whispering to create suspense – all essential tools for keeping an audience engaged.
- Confidence & Flow – The more you read aloud, the more control you gain over your voice. You’ll develop a natural rhythm that will make your speech feel effortless and authentic.
In my How to Prepare a Brilliant Best Man’s Speech course on URVEDA, I’ll teach you how to refine your voice and captivate an audience. Start reading aloud today – you’ll be amazed at how much it improves your public speaking!