5 Ways You're Sabotaging Clear Communication
Do you ever feel like people tune out when you talk? Maybe they seem distracted, disengage or even cut you off mid-sentence. The truth is, how you speak matters just as much as what you say. And without realizing it, you might be making it harder for people to fully hear and understand you.
If you’re a public speaker, entrepreneur, teacher, performer, or professional who relies on strong communication skills, avoiding these five common speaking mistakes can help you speak with impact and confidence.
1. Speaking Too Slowly (And Losing Your Audience’s Attention)
We’ve all listened to someone who drags out their words, making it painfully easy to predict what’s coming next. The problem? When your audience’s brain jumps ahead, they disengage. Instead of staying present with your words, they start thinking about their to-do list, checking their phone, or zoning out.
Why This Happens:
Lack of vocal energy reduces engagement.
Predictable speech patterns make listening feel monotonous.
People crave momentum—without it, they lose interest.
A steady flow of words, vocal variety, and nonverbal cues create the suspense that keeps listeners engaged.
2. Talking Too Fast (And Overwhelming Your Listener)
On the flip side, speaking too quickly can overload your audience. If they’re struggling to process your words, they’ll either get confused or give up trying—meaning your message gets lost.
Why This Happens:
Nervousness, excitement, or passion naturally speeds up speech.
Rapid speech floods listeners with too much information.
Instead of absorbing your message, your audience is left grasping for clarity and missing key points.
Slow down, pause strategically, and emphasize key words to improve understanding and retention.
3. Poor Breathing (And Creating Unnecessary Tension)
Ever feel out of breath when speaking? That’s a sign you’re not breathing efficiently, and it’s affecting more than just your voice. When you run out of air mid-sentence and push through anyway, your body tenses up—and your audience feels that tension, too.
Why This Happens:
Shallow breathing disrupts the natural rhythm of speech.
Imbalance of carbon dioxide and oxygen increases anxiety and creates vocal strain.
Your audience mirrors your tension, making them uncomfortable.
Mastering active breath techniques can help you project a confident, controlled voice while keeping listeners engaged.
4. Speaking Too Loudly or Too Softly (And Sending the Wrong Message)
Volume matters. Speak too softly, and people struggle to hear you—or worse, they perceive you as lacking confidence. Speak too loudly, and it can feel aggressive, overwhelming, or even distracting.
Why This Happens:
Fight-or-flight response affects vocal projection.
Some people overcompensate with loudness, while others retreat into quiet, hesitant speech.
The right vocal balance conveys authority, warmth, and presence.
By practicing vocal modulation, you can ensure your voice commands attention without overpowering your audience.
5. Speaking in a Monotone (And Sounding Less Engaging)
Ever listened to someone who spoke in a flat, lifeless tone? No vocal variety, no pitch changes—just words rolling out in the same dull rhythm. It’s hard to stay engaged, right?
Why This Happens:
Nervousness, tension, or focus on content can flatten your voice.
Lack of pitch variation removes emotional depth from your words.
Monotone speech reduces audience connection and weakens engagement.
Adding pitch changes, emphasis, and expressive tone helps create a dynamic, compelling speaking style that captivates listeners.
Final Thoughts: Speak with Confidence, Be Heard with Clarity
Your voice has power. It shapes how others perceive you, how well they understand your message and even how much they trust what you’re saying.
By making key adjustments—breathing with flow, controlling your pace, using varied pitch, and balancing volume—you can become a stronger, more compelling speaker.
Want to Speak with Confidence and Captivate Your Audience?
Join our 8-week live online course and hone the art of clear, impactful communication.
Discover the core Miller Voice Method (MVM) concept of Active Breath—a powerful tool that improves your voice, reshapes speaking habits, and enhances the way you're perceived in any setting.
✔ Speak with clarity and confidence in any situation
✔ Break old habits that hold you back
✔ Use breath control and vocal variety to engage listeners
✔ Feel grounded, present, and in control when you speak
Course Dates:
Sunday mornings or Thursday evenings, March 30 - May 22
📍 Live Online – Join from anywhere!
Perfect for public speakers, professionals, and anyone who wants to communicate with impact.
Spots are limited, and enrollment closes soon!
Have questions? We’re happy to help! Email us at info@millervoicemethod.com.
Miller Voice Method
Helping people captivate—not just communicate.