Positioning and Sight Lines

Where you stand matters as much as how you project. Sound travels in the direction you face, so stand where you can face the largest portion of your audience directly. A corner is the worst spot — your voice scatters off two walls behind you.

Avoid speaking from behind tables or podiums when unamplified, since these barriers block sound. If you can, stand on a raised surface, even six inches higher than your audience. Elevation lets sound travel over heads rather than getting absorbed by the front rows. Every physical advantage reduces the vocal effort you need.