Do people ever accuse you of always mumbling rather than speaking clearly? Sometimes we mumble because we're secretly ashamed of what we're about to say but other times it can just be our habits playing along with us. Check out these easy tips to help you stop mumbling.

1. Check your posture

If you're slumped or slouching, there's a good chance that you won't be speaking clearly either. Standing or sitting up straight will go a long way towards improving the audibility of your speech.

2. Open wide!

It's not just your dentist who says things like this. If you barely open your mouth when you speak, you don't allow much sound to leave your body. Open your mouth wider when you speak - you may find it worthwhile practicing this in front of a mirror so that you get the hang of it without too much embarrassment.

3. Slow down

Although we associate mumbling with slow speaking, it can also be caused by trying to speak too fast. Don't slow down so far that everyone things you're less intelligent than you really are, but do take the time to allow space between your words rather than speaking at nineteen to the dozen.

4. Speak up

Sure, the person you're speaking to probably isn't deaf. But speak up a bit anyway. If you'd barely be heard in a room where you could hear a pin drop then you need to turn up your personal volume control.

5. Practice

You can do this in the comfort of your own home. But make sure you do it. Practice all the things above and you'll start to notice a difference sooner rather than later.