Are You Boring Your Audience? 5 Proven Ways to Command Attention When You Speak

I wanted to love Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. I really did. Stoic wisdom? Ancient life lessons? Yes, please! But the audiobook? It felt like being slowly hypnotized into a coma.

The narrator’s voice never changed—one tone, one pace, one volume.

And that’s exactly the mistake so many presenters make.

If you’re droning on in the same tone, your audience isn’t just tuning out—they’re mentally building their grocery list. Or worse, checking their phone. Not because they’re rude but because the human brain craves contrast. If everything sounds equally important, nothing stands out.

Your voice is your most powerful instrument. But like any great musician, you need range. The best speakers use contrast to keep audiences hooked. Here’s how (plus some fun, easy practice exercises to get you there!).

1. Speed: The Pause is Power

Slow down before delivering a key point—it builds anticipation. Then, speed up slightly when telling a story to create energy.

Try this: Read the first paragraph of this newsletter out loud. On your second read, speed up when you say, “Stoic wisdom? Ancient life lessons? Yes, please!”—like you’re excited. Then slow down dramatically for “But the audiobook? It felt like being sloooowly hypnotized into a coma.” Feel how it shifts the impact?

2. Volume: The Whisper Trick

A sudden whisper can be more powerful than a shout. It forces people to lean in.

Practice this: Say, “The narrator’s voice never changed—one tone, one pace, one volume,” but this time, drop your voice to a near-whisper for “one tone, one pace, one volume.” Notice how much more engaging it sounds?

3. Tone: Express, Don’t Flatten

Think about how you talk to friends—your voice lifts when you’re excited sharpens when you’re annoyed. But when we present? We flatten out. Tone—emotion in your voice—makes you compelling as a presenter.

Tip: Say, “I wanted to love Meditations by Marcus Aurelius,” like you were genuinely excited. Now say, “But the audiobook?” like it was a massive letdown. That’s tone—your voice adapting to match the feeling.

4. Confidence: The Downward Inflection Trick

Have you ever heard someone end every sentence like a question? (“This is important?”) It undercuts authority. Try speaking with a downward inflection at the end of key statements—it makes you sound more confident.

5. No More Uptalk

You lose credibility if every sentence you say sounds like it’s waiting for approval. Pay attention to your pitch at the end of sentences. Keep it steady, or let it drop slightly to sound more assured and authoritative.

So, next time you speak, ask yourself—are you engaging your audience or lulling them to sleep?

Want to make sure your voice keeps people leaning in instead of zoning out? Let’s talk. In 15 minutes, I can show you exactly how to use your voice to command attention and inspire action.