In watching TV or the movies, I am always impressed with the diction I hear from the actors. It doesn't matter what characters they are playing. And, it doesn't matter which nationality they are, their articulation is clear and concise. It is part of their training. Can you say the same about your diction?
Many people mumble, speak too quickly, speak too softly, and/or have a heavy accent. All of these problems can affect the clarity of your words. Of course, your first response may be that it is the job of the actor to speak distinctly but not as important for you in your life, either professionally or personally. And I beg to differ.
Why is it necessary for the actor to speak clearly? Obviously so that we in the audience can understand what he/she is saying? If you agree with this statement, then why would you not think it is important for you to speak distinctly if your job depends on being understood?
If others ask you to repeat yourself often, you need to figure out what you are doing wrong. Your first step is to record your speaking voice and play back the recording. What do you hear? Are you speaking too softly? Perhaps you are speaking with enough volume but your words are indistinct? If English is your 2nd language, are you difficult to understand because of your accent?
Many people with whom I have worked, are stunned when they hear themselves in this manner because they wrongly believed that they were speaking much more clearly than what they were hearing on the recording.
It is important to understand that what you hear on the recording equipment is how you are recognized and perceived by everyone else. While that sound may not be familiar to you, it is exactly how everyone else hears you. Thus, if you are not speaking clearly, you should practice improving your diction.
There are only so many times others will ask you to repeat yourself before they will take over the conversation or quite possibly find someone else to solve their problem. Today's businesses move very, very quickly. With the ability to gain information at our fingertips, we want answers immediately and are frustrated when those with whom we are dealing are difficult to understand for whatever the reason.
If you are aware that your diction could use some work, you might consider voice training. One of the many benefits of discovering your real or true voice is that you will speak more distinctly, whether you happen to be one who mumbles or whether your problem is caused by 'hyper' speed, a soft volume, or a heavy accent. Don't allow your success to be jeopardized by something that can easily be remedied!
The Voice Lady, Nancy Daniels, offers private, corporate and group workshops in voice and presentation skills as well as the Voicing It! the only video training on voice improvement. If you would like to see a wonderful improvement in volume control and diction, watch Mohammad's ‘before & after’ video clip at Nancy's Voice Training website.