The stage at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago was packed with people who’ve built careers on their ability to give stirring speeches. But they didn’t get there by accident. They practiced techniques to help them speak louder, longer, and with more emotional resonance. You can learn a lot by watching and listening to people who’ve developed strong vocal delivery, so let’s put politics aside and talk about the techniques and practices that help professional speakers deliver.

Michèle Voillequé is a singer and a voice teacher living in Berkeley, California.

Useful links:

YouTube playlist of some of the speeches: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRIAPPEO39k71Vu2VW75JUJbeAp5sLjrT&si=PTp8NCfpaLtpdbbQ

Podcast episodes where I’ve talked about jaw tension:

Why YouTube Warmups Might Not Work for You https://www.mvmusik.com/cant-wait-to-hear-you-episode-5/

Biden and Britt and How Your Face Affects Your Sound

https://www.mvmusik.com/cant-wait-to-hear-you-episode-21

My Top 5 Tips for Speakers

https://www.mvmusik.com/cant-wait-to-hear-you-episode-29/

Yes, you can sound better! Opt-in for a free video training on my website: https://mvmusik.com

A transcript of this episode is available at mvmusik.com/blog/cant-wait-to-hear-you-episode-32. You can subscribe to Can’t Wait to Hear You wherever you get podcasts. If you have a question about your voice or how you’re using it, please email letters@mvmusik.com. To learn more about Michèle or to subscribe to her newsletter, visit mvmusik.com.

Our music is thanks to Katya and Ada.

The show is edited by K.O. Myers at Particulate Media.