How to stop running out of breath when speaking

Usually it’s technique, not lung capacity. The common causes are quick, shallow chest breaths, trying to fit too many words into one breath, and carrying on talking after the air has run out. Nerves make all three worse, because you speak faster and breathe less.

Take one slow, low breath before you start. Speak while you breathe out, and stop to breathe before the air is gone instead of pushing through. Break long sentences into shorter phrases and breathe at natural pauses. Slow down a little. To make it stick, practise breathing and speaking together for a few minutes most days.

Slow belly breathing (in for 4, out for 6). Breath-and-speech practice, where you say gradually longer sentences on one out-breath. Reading aloud while breathing only at punctuation. Breathing out slowly through a drinking straw, which trains a long, steady airflow.

If you get breathless at rest, during light activity, or it’s new or getting worse, see a doctor. The same goes for hoarseness that lasts more than three weeks. If it only happens when you speak, especially in front of people, it’s most likely breathing habits and nerves.

Often, yes. Shallow, tense breathing gives your voice an uneven supply of air, which can make it run out and wobble. Slow breathing practice helps with both.

Everyone is different. Many people notice their breath lasting longer within a couple of weeks of regular practice. Doing it automatically when you’re nervous takes longer, because that’s a habit, and habits come from repetition.