How loud should you speak?

You’re standing in front of a small to medium-sized room full of people and about to give a business presentation. There’s no microphone. How loud should you speak?

The answer isn’t just about volume, it’s about connection and clarity. Here’s what to do: Locate the audience member the farthest away from you. Project your voice so that they can hear you clearly. This sets your baseline. But don’t stop there, raise your volume a couple of notches more. This extra volume helps your message land with confidence and presence.

By projecting beyond the minimum needed to be heard, you create a stronger influential impact. You sound more assured, more engaging, and you ensure that everyone in the room feels included in the presentation.

The increased volume also impacts your own behavior in positive ways. You’ll instinctively speak with more excitement and use more animated body language and that adds up to a more engaging presentation.

So remember to speak up, and you will stand out.