Why Volume Isn’t the Only Way to Be Heard
Updated: Jun 25, 2025
Lisa works as an executive public speaking coach, actor, and fitness enthusiast. She is passionate about helping people overcome imposter syndrome and find their authentic voice to unlock career success in business and beyond. She is the founder of Speak Proud.
Not long ago, I had a conversation with a former client, Denise. She was in the middle of preparing for a series of critical pitches, something I help many professionals with. During one of her practice rounds, she received a familiar piece of feedback:
“Denise, you need to be louder.”
It wasn’t the first time she had heard this. For many professionals, especially women, being told to “speak up” or “be louder” has become a go-to critique. And while the advice often comes with good intentions, it can be misleading.
So, I asked her a simple question: Does speaking proudly really mean speaking louder?
The answer, of course, is no.
Redefining “speak proud” and not just volume
To speak proudly isn’t about shouting over others or pushing your voice to its limit. It’s about ensuring that when you speak, your audience listens, not because you're loud, but because you're compelling.
We live in a world where noise is everywhere. Meetings, messages, social media, and pitches all compete for attention. So, what cuts through the noise?
It’s not volume. It’s intention, conviction, vocal presence, and clarity.
When these elements align, your message becomes magnetic. It lands. It lingers. It moves people.
Speaking proudly is about owning your voice, not overpowering the room.
Key elements to enhance your speaking presence
If you’re preparing for a pitch, presentation, or high-stakes meeting, here are four things to focus on that go beyond just "being louder":
1. Intention
Start with why. What is the purpose of your message? What impact do you want to leave? When your message is rooted in intention, it’s easier to stay on point, and your audience can feel your clarity.
2. Conviction
If you don’t believe in your message, neither will your audience. Conviction gives your words weight. It’s not about being arrogant, it’s about being assured.
When you speak from a place of belief, people lean in. They trust you.
3. Resonance
Instead of pushing your volume, work on deepening your sound. A resonant voice is full of warmth, rich, and powerful. It vibrates in the body, not just in the air.
Trained speakers, actors, and seasoned presenters don’t just speak with volume, they speak with fullness. That fullness is what draws people in.
4. Diction
It doesn’t matter how brilliant your content is if your audience can’t follow it. Speak with clarity and crispness. Let every word land.
Great diction isn’t about sounding “fancy”, it’s about being heard and understood.
So, how can you start speaking proudly today?
Here are a few practical tips I use with my clients:
Warm up before important conversations: Think of your voice like a muscle, it needs prep before peak performance.
Practice reading aloud with intention: Try it with a paragraph from your pitch or presentation. Emphasize key words and feel where your conviction naturally rises.
Breathe: Most people run out of breath not because they talk too much, but because they forget to breathe. Centered breath supports vocal power.
Record yourself speaking: Playback isn’t vanity, it’s awareness. It helps you fine-tune everything from tone to tempo.
Work with a coach: Having a trained ear to guide you can make all the difference, especially when you're preparing for high-impact speaking moments.
Final thoughts
You don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room to be the most impactful.
You need to be intentional, grounded, and connected to your message.
When you embrace your authentic voice and speak with conviction and clarity, that’s when you truly “speak proudly.” And when you do, you're remembered, not just for what you said, but for how you made people feel.
Read more from Lisa Sheerin
Lisa Sheerin, Executive Public Speaking Coach & ICF PCC Credentialed Coach
Lisa works as an executive public speaking coach, actor, and group fitness instructor with over 20 years of experience. A graduate of a three-year drama school program in London, she began her career in theatre and film, where she faced and overcame imposter syndrome. Today, she empowers others to embrace their authenticity and transform self-doubt into confidence, combining her acting expertise, fitness training, and passion for personal growth. Her mission is to guide others toward a life where they can speak and live proudly.
