Speaking with range, not just volume

The Power of Range: Why Great Speakers Don’t Always Shout

If you’ve ever watched a young speaker command the stage with bold hand gestures, booming voice, and theatrical expressions, you know how captivating it can be.

But what happens when everything they say is dramatic? In public speaking, energy is a gift. But too much of anything, including passion, can become a barrier.

When Every Moment is Big, Nothing Feels Real

In my public speaking classes, I sometimes work with students who are naturally expressive. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and their confidence lights up the room. But sometimes, that enthusiasm becomes performance, a constant “act” that starts to feel disconnected from the message.

Here’s the thing: If you’re always at a 10, your audience eventually tunes out. When everything is dramatic, the emotional highs lose their meaning.

A Gift That Many Others Struggle With

Let’s take a moment to recognize something important:

Students who speak dramatically and without hesitation have already overcome something that holds many people back: stage fright.

They aren’t afraid to be seen. They don’t hide behind the podium. That kind of boldness is rare, and it’s something to be celebrated. Comfort on stage is a powerful strength….and it gives you an incredible foundation to grow from.

Now, the next step is learning to shape that power.

What Makes a Message Land?

• Authenticity
  Your audience isn’t just listening to your words, they’re listening for your heart. They want to feel you mean what you say, not just hear it shouted from the rooftops.

• Emotional Range
  Great speakers don’t use just one emotion, they have a full range. They know when to smile softly, when to pause, when to let their voice rise, and when to let it fall into a whisper. Like music, it’s the variety that creates impact.

• Connection
  The goal isn’t to impress; it’s to connect. And that requires moments of calm, sincerity, and vulnerability, not just big gestures and dramatic tone.

A Lesson for Young Speakers

I often tell students:

“Your job is not to act. Your job is to mean it.”

There’s a difference between speaking with emotion and speaking for emotion. The former is real; the latter feels forced.

Instead of playing a part, ask yourself:

• What do I really feel about this topic?

• Does my voice match that feeling?

• Would I talk this way to someone I care about?

The Takeaway

Public speaking is not about being loud, theatrical, or always "on." It's about being real. Yes, use your energy. Yes, bring your passion. But also bring your truth.

And if you’ve already conquered stage fright? That’s a superpower. Now, let’s fine-tune it so your message doesn’t just stand out, it lands.