When we think about delivering a great speech, we often focus on volume – projecting our voice, commanding the room, making ourselves heard. But what if I told you that one of the most powerful tools in your public speaking arsenal is actually the whisper? The Power of the Whisper in often overlooked when making a speech.
Why Whispering Works
Whispering is a technique that instantly draws your audience in. It’s counterintuitive – when someone lowers their voice, our natural instinct is to lean in, listen more closely, and pay attention. That’s the power of engaging curiosity.
Think about how people react when someone whispers in real life. They feel like they’re being let in on a secret, part of an intimate exchange. When you use this technique in your speech, your audience will feel the same way – personally connected and invested in what you’re saying.
How to Use Whispering Effectively in a Speech
- Build Up the Moment – Whispering works best when it contrasts with the rest of your speech. If you’ve been speaking at a normal volume, suddenly lowering your voice creates a dramatic shift that grabs attention.
- Use It to Highlight Key Moments – Maybe it’s the punchline to a joke, a heartfelt message about the groom, or an unexpected twist in a story. Whispering makes these moments feel more impactful.
- Make It Natural – Whisper as if you’re telling a secret. This makes your audience lean in, eager to hear what comes next.
In my How to Prepare a Brilliant Best Man’s Speech course on URVEDA, I teach how to master vocal techniques like this to keep your audience engaged from start to finish. Try it – whisper, and watch the room fall silent, hanging on your every word.