How to Project Your Voice: A Voice Coach's Guide to Clear, Confident Speaking
Projecting your voice—whether in meetings, presentations, classrooms, or conversations—is something nearly all of us struggle with at some point. You want to be heard clearly, without strain or shouting. But what does voice projection really involve? And how can you achieve it safely?
Let me guide you through it.
My Personal Journey with Voice Projection
Growing up, I was a quiet, shy introvert regularly told to “speak up.” That phrase followed me through my childhood: classrooms, social settings, and family dinners. At 14, a surprise twist forced me into GCSE Drama, an ironic assignment for someone desperate to stay silent.
Now, many years later, I’m a professional voice coach helping others face the same monster I once did.
Key takeaway: Struggling with voice projection isn’t just about personality or confidence. It’s about physical habits you can learn to change.
What Does It Mean to Project Your Voice?
Voice projection isn’t simply “speaking louder.” Done well, it allows you to:
Be heard without shouting
Maintain vocal health
Convey confidence and presence
Three primary factors shape your ability to project:
Airflow
Resonance
Voice Quality
1. Airflow: The Engine Behind Volume
Your vocal folds oscillate as air passes between them. More airflow allows them to open slightly wider, increasing the amplitude of the sound waves—which we hear as volume.
The challenge: Many people either don’t take in enough breath or use excessive pressure when exhaling, which can strain the voice.
You need balanced airflow: enough breath support without forcing. This is where diaphragmatic breathing (which I cover in this article) becomes essential.
2. Resonance: The Natural Amplifier
Resonance boosts your voice naturally, without requiring extra effort.
Primary resonance: Sound waves bounce within your throat and mouth, shaping tone and clarity.
Secondary resonance: Vibrations transfer into your chest, ribs and sinuses (porous bones), creating a fuller, richer sound.
Try this: Hum and place a hand on your chest. Feel the vibrations? That’s secondary resonance at work.
Poor posture and tension (in the throat, jaw, neck, or chest) can dampen resonance. When these areas are tight, your voice lacks depth and fullness.
Rule of thumb: Free the body, and resonance follows.
3. Voice Quality: The Clarity Factor
The human voice can adopt multiple qualities:
Breathy
Creaky
Twangy
Clear tone
For healthy projection, a clear tone works best. Breathy or creaky voices are harder to project and often lead to strain.
Why Is My Voice So Quiet?
If you struggle to project your voice, it may be due to:
Insufficient breath support
Physical tension reducing resonance
Inefficient vocal fold closure (breathy or creaky tone)
Postural habits limiting vocal freedom
The good news: These are all changeable habits.
Voice Projection Exercises: Practical Steps You Can Start Today
Setup
Sit or stand upright with relaxed shoulders and neck.
Feet hip-width apart; knees soft.
Place one hand on your abdomen.
Exercise 1: Recorded Self-Feedback
Open your phone’s voice recording app.
Say “one, two, three” at your normal volume.
Observe the visual volume indicator (if available).
Take a medium-sized breath into your abdomen.
Speak again, gradually increasing your loudness with each repetition.
As you increase loudness, check:
Am I breathing deeply enough?
Is my neck, jaw, or chest tensing?
Is my posture upright and open?
Is my pitch staying natural (not rising as I get louder)?
Is my voice tone clear (not breathy or creaky)?
Can I feel resonance in my chest and sinuses?
Exercise 2: Apply to Real Text
Replace "one, two, three" with a sentence or passage relevant to your work—a presentation excerpt or key talking point.
Reflect and Repeat
Listen back to your recordings.
If possible, get feedback from a trusted friend or colleague.
Don’t expect instant mastery. Like any physical skill, projection improves with consistent practice.
Remember: Actors train for years to master projection. Progress takes time, but it’s achievable.
FAQs
Is projecting my voice the same as shouting?
No. Projection involves balance, resonance, and control. Shouting strains your vocal folds.
Why does my voice feel tired when I speak loudly?
You may be using poor breath support or excessive muscular tension. Correct technique makes loud speech feel easy.
How long does it take to improve voice projection?
With daily practice, many people see improvements within 4–8 weeks.
Can posture affect voice projection?
Absolutely. Upright posture allows freer breath movement and resonance.
Final Thoughts
Projecting your voice isn’t about being louder—it’s about being clear, resonant, and confident while maintaining vocal health.
When you balance airflow, resonance, and tone, projection becomes effortless.
If you’d like personalised guidance, click here to learn more about voice coaching. I offer tailored sessions to help you find your full, natural voice.
Ashley Howard is a UK-based voice coach with 18+ years of experience helping professionals and individuals develop clear, authentic, and confident communication.