3 Habits to Sound 10X ClearerRead on my website | Read Time: 3 Minutes Ever listen to Oprah speak and think, "How does she make everything sound so crisp and clear?" Here's the truth: Crystal-clear speaking isn't a talent you're born with. It's a skill you can train. Today I'm sharing 2 powerful habits that will make you sound 10x clearer when you speak – so you're never misunderstood in meetings, presentations, or important conversations. (Plus one more game-changing habit at the end that I'll reveal in the video below.) Habit 1: The "Bah Dah Gah" ExerciseThis might make you sound like Harry Potter casting spells, but it works. Here's how it works: Step 1: Start slowly Say "Bah-Dah-Gah... Bah-Dah-Gah... Bah-Dah-Gah..." with deliberate pronunciation. Step 2: Speed it up Now say it faster in one breath: "Bah-Dah-Gah, Bah-Dah-Gah, Bah-Dah-Gah, Bah-Dah-Gah!" Step 3: Add movement Here's the key – move your body to the rhythm. Don't stand there like a robot. Let yourself feel the beat as you speak. Why this works: You're stretching your mouth and tongue as much as possible. Plus, by moving to the rhythm, you're releasing tension. When you speak in high-stakes scenarios, you'll naturally use body language to emphasize important words. The commitment: Do this once a day for 30 seconds. You'll actually have fun with it, and you'll notice clearer speech almost immediately. Habit 2: The COWAT TestThis is based on the Controlled Oral Word Association Test – literally what speech therapists use to measure verbal fluency. Here's the exercise:
Your score:
The hidden problem: Most people score low because they consume "garbage input." If you're scrolling trashy social media all day, you're not exposing yourself to rich vocabulary. The solution: Start reading quality books or listening to educational podcasts. When you hear words you don't normally use, document them. Practice using those words every day. This trains your brain to access vocabulary quickly when you're put on the spot. Trust me, this makes a huge difference in how articulate you sound. Habit 3: The Game-Changer RevealedThis is my personal favorite clarity exercise – and it's the single most effective technique for crystal-clear delivery. Want to see this powerful third habit in action? It involves a simple tool you have lying around your house, and when you practice it correctly, speaking normally becomes absolutely effortless. (Plus I'll show you exactly how to practice with 232 tongue twisters I've compiled for maximum clarity improvement) Ready to organize your thoughts instantly when you're put on the spot? Since you're in The ISA, you can join me in The ISA Accelerator for 3 months of live coaching calls with mend practice sessions with fellow students. There's an exclusive discount for ISA students like you, and the next live group session is on October 2nd. Hope to see you there. Stop avoiding speaking opportunities. Start embracing them. Best, Preston |
Join 10K+ professionals subscribed to The Impromptu Speakers Newsletter every Tuesday for tips, frameworks, and resources to become a clear, confident, and compelling speaker. I'm the Head of Biz Dev @ Lucid Software, a communications coach, and have 700K+ followers on social media.