Voice and speech exercises

In the following videos, speech coach Maxi Zöllner shows voice and speech exercises while also giving tips on speaking with a microphone and on stance and gestures in the lecture hall. Click on the images to go to the respective video.

Voice training & warm-up before the lecture

Voice is the most important instrument lecturers can use to establish their presence in the lecture hall. It “carries” the content.

The following exercises, which speech coach Maxi Zöllner demonstrates in the video, are particularly helpful in enabling the voice to perform this task optimally. The exercises are suitable as a warm-up program before the lecture, but also as a “training program for the lecture hall.”

Contents:

  • Why voice training?
  • Gymnastics for oral motor skills 
  • Stretch the throat 
  • Two exercises to gently adjust the vocal folds 
  • Exercise on carrying your voice in large rooms 
  • “Cork exercise” for articulation 
  • General information 
  • Summary
  • Daily voice “warm-up”

Speaking with the microphone

Lecturers often view microphones with some skepticism and are reluctant to use them – wrongly, if you follow a few basic rules. Voice and speech coach Maxi Zöllner shows this in the video.

Contents:  

  • What speaks in favor of microphones
  • Why are microphones unloved by lecturers? 
  • Microphone test: finding the right distance 
  • Practical tips: speaker position, wind protection caps, and radio transmitter
  • Avoid smacking noises

Stance & gestures

A good stance and simple gestural techniques can help you to act ergonomically and confidently in the lecture hall. In this video, voice and speech coach Maxi Zöllner explains what is important.

Contents:

  • Out of the flow: Where to put your hands?
  • V-shaped stance
  • Movements of the arms and hands in the rhythm of speech 
  • The parking lot technique 
  • The globe technique