Imagine you regularly have to give speeches in front of an audience - but you find it difficult to speak loudly, clearly, and concisely. This is what happened to the Greek statesman Demosthenes in 300 B.C. - when there were no communication workshops or speech training courses. So he had to help himself. He went to the sea, where he was alone, and no one could hear him, put a handful of pebbles in his mouth, and began to speak. As long, as clearly and as loudly as he could, to compete with the roar of the sea. Thanks to this exercise, he eventually overcame his stutter – and went down in history as a talented and eminent orator!
You may not have to give speeches in customer service, but clear and articulate pronunciation is still an essential part of your job! Demosthenes' trick can still help you strengthen it today. Don't worry, you don't have to go to the sea or put a lot of pebbles in your mouth. Because this exercise can be practised flexibly everywhere with a simple cork between the teeth. And this is how it works!
The goal: To improve your pronunciation and speak more consciously and clearly with this exercise.
What you need: A cork, possibly a newspaper or a book and a place where you can practice undisturbed.
This is how it works: Go to a place where you can be alone and where no one can hear you. Put the cork between your teeth and start speaking. If you don't know what to say, you can also read a text aloud. The pin is a minor hurdle and makes your pronunciation more difficult. You will have to speak much more consciously and concentrate properly when speaking. If you finally succeed in speaking clearly and understandably during this exercise, it will be all the easier for you without the cork afterward!
How long does it take: As long as you like. It's best to plan regular short sessions of 5 - 10 minutes.
Our tip: Try the exercise for 5 minutes before going into the line. You can, for example, imagine a fictitious customer meeting - to prepare yourself mentally for it.