“Just Be Louder” Isn’t Always Helpful - Here’s What to Try Instead

If you’ve ever been told to “just speak louder” during a presentation or conversation, you’re not alone. It’s a common instruction in communication coaching—but for many people, it’s also one of the most frustrating.

Here’s why:

For those who aren’t naturally loud talkers, “just be louder” can feel like being asked to become someone you’re not. And that’s not just intimidating, it’s ineffective.

“Just be louder” can be a nerve wracking instruction.

The Real Issue: It’s Not About Volume, It’s About Resonance

Volume is often treated like a dial you can simply turn up. But for many of us, it’s not that simple. If speaking louder feels unfamiliar, even scary, thinking about volume is not going to be helpful. What you need to do is investigate your vocal resonance.

Resonance is what gives your voice presence. It’s the sensation that you feel when your vocal folds create vibrations that travel through the vocal tract to the bones of the face and head. When you can feel your voice resonating, you can begin gain control over it. Building resonance over time means you can sound more energized, more confident, and yes, louder, but you can do it naturally.

Try This: Humming Into Your Hands

One of my favorite tools for building vocal resonance is an exercise I call “Humming into Your Hands.” It’s simple, accessible, and incredibly effective.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Cup your hands gently around your mouth and nose like you’re warming them on a cold day.

2. Let your lips rest gently together with a bit of space between your teeth.

3. Start to hum—on an “M” sound—and let the sound bounce inside your cupped hands.

4. Notice where you feel vibration: your lips? Your nose? Your cheeks?

5. Periodically remove your hands to see if the sensation in your face and lips is still detectable. This is your resonance.

Don’t force anything. Be curious. Try adding a gentle chewing motion as you hum. This allows the muscles in your face and jaw to stay flexible, and it changes the size and shape of the oral cavity which can help the sound move more freely.

With repetition, this exercise helps you tune in to the physical sensation of your voice, gently increasing vocal energy without strain or tension.

Why This Works

From a physiological perspective, your voice is created by the vibration of your vocal folds and shaped by the cavities of your throat, mouth, and nose (the vocal tract). When those vibrations hit bone, they create resonance. The more resonance you have, the more easily your voice carries - without needing to shout.

But there’s also a psychological benefit: when you feel your voice more clearly, you trust it more. That trust turns into confidence. And that confidence reads as presence when you speak.

Warmth Meets Competence

In her research on communication and charisma, Vanessa Van Edwards emphasizes that people are drawn to speakers who combine warmth with competence. That means you’re not just being heard, you’re being felt. Resonance helps you deliver both.

• Warmth comes through when you speak with ease and authenticity.

• Competence shows when your voice is strong, grounded, and fully embodied.

So instead of trying to force yourself into a louder version of you, start by building resonance. It’s a skill anyone can develop—and it leads to a voice that’s not only louder, but more powerful, more connected, and more you.

Want More?

I have a few guided resonance-building exercises on my YouTube channel. This one and this one are perfect for getting started or deepening your vocal confidence. Head there now if you’re ready to explore what your voice is truly capable of.

👉 Aimee Blesing Vocal Coach on YouTube

Let your voice rise—not just in volume, but in presence.

Want to get started improving your vocal resonance? Book a call with me today.