Remember to apply the principles of ease, openness and forwardness—­they are the prime factors in enabling your voice to be heard at a distance.

Do not gaze at the floor as you talk.  This habit not only gives the speaker an amateurish appearance but if the head is hung forward the voice will be directed towards the ground instead of floating out over the audience.

Voice is a series of air vibrations.  To strengthen it two things are necessary:  more air or breath, and more vibration.

Breath is the very basis of voice.  As a bullet with little powder behind it will not have force and carrying power, so the voice that has little breath behind it will be weak.  Not only will deep breathing—­breathing from the diaphragm—­give the voice a better support, but it will give it a stronger resonance by improving the general health.

Usually, ill health means a weak voice, while abundant physical vitality is shown through a strong, vibrant voice.  Therefore anything that improves the general vitality is an excellent voice strengthener, provided you use the voice properly.  Authorities differ on most of the rules of hygiene but on one point they all agree:  vitality and longevity are increased by deep breathing.  Practise this until it becomes second nature.  Whenever you are speaking, take in deep breaths, but in such a manner that the inhalations will be silent.

Do not try to speak too long without renewing your breath.  Nature cares for this pretty well unconsciously in conversation, and she will do the same for you in platform speaking if you do not interfere with her premonitions.

A certain very successful speaker developed voice carrying power by running across country, practising his speeches as he went.  The vigorous exercise forced him to take deep breaths, and developed lung power.  A hard-fought basketball or tennis game is an efficient way of practising deep breathing.  When these methods are not convenient, we recommend the following: 

Place your hands at your sides, on the waist line.

By trying to encompass your waist with your fingers and thumbs, force all the air out of the lungs.

Take a deep breath.  Remember, all the activity is to be centered in the middle of the body; do not raise the shoulders.  As the breath is taken your hands will be forced out.

Repeat the exercise, placing your hands on the small of the back and forcing them out as you inhale.

Many methods for deep breathing have been given by various authorities.  Get the air into your lungs—­that is the important thing.

The body acts as a sounding board for the voice just as the body of the violin acts as a sounding board for its tones.  You can increase its vibrations by practise.

Place your finger on your lip and hum the musical scale, thinking and placing the voice forward on the lips.  Do you feel the lips vibrate?  After a little practise they will vibrate, giving a tickling sensation.