How to overcome monotonous voice?

[CCC]

Why is it that I often send the audience to sleep after just 5 minutes of speech / teaching ? Is there anyway to overcome a monotonous voice?
I find it difficult to vary the intonation.

[Doctor]

The secret comes in parctice.

Practice your speech in front of a video or tape recorder. Try varying the sound of your voice.

If you can - start to bring in some passion - it can make all the difference.

You can also try using these tips from Professional Voice ([url]www.professionalvoice.co.uk[/url]) on Vocal Variety are:

"Find where the natural pitch of your voice lies, then think of using a contrasting pitch for keywords, a slight lift, and for less important ones , a slight drop.

Use a gradual build in pitch as you take us to your main point.

Try an open rising inflection on a question to wake us up!

Use changes of pace to give different weight to what you are saying.

Perhaps quieter rather than louder at key passages.

Simple rule : "new pitch, new thought"