The Godfather, the epic crime saga directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is one of the most iconic movies in film history. The movie’s soundtrack contributed significantly to its success, with “Speak Softly Love”—also known as the “Love Theme from the Godfather” by composer Nino Rota—becoming a classic of its own. However, there’s much more to learn from the movie than just its music.

The Godfather was Marlon Brando’s defining role, and his character Vito Corleone is a masterclass in vocal technique. Corleone’s voice embodies power, control, and presence. Here’s how you can master the vocal technique of the Godfather himself.

• Speak from your diaphragm

The most significant aspect of Brando’s voice is the way he speaks from his diaphragm. By breathing deeply and projecting his voice from the lower part of the chest, he creates a deep, rich tone that’s both authoritative and calming. Experiment with breathing exercises such as the Farinelli Breathing exercise to help you breathe correctly from your diaphragm and speak with more power.

• Focus on your mouth and tongue position

Ensure that your mouth is wide open and your tongue on the floor of your mouth. Doing this guarantees that the sound you produce will have a full tone, making it less likely to sound nasal or high-pitched. You can learn more about Why to Open Mouth & Throat While Singing in this article.

• Practice slower, more deliberate speech

Slowing down your pace and enunciating each word clearly can help you speak with more weight and authority, as well as impress the listener with your thoughtful delivery. This is a technique that many actors use, and it can help you sound like a pro too. Here are a few more Articulation exercises to help you achieve this.

• Record yourself

Recording yourself is a fantastic way to review your progress, hear areas for improvement, and boost your confidence. Singing Carrots offers a Vocal Pitch Monitor where you can sing along with a virtual piano, getting instant feedback on your pitch accuracy. Also, use our Vocal range test to determine your vocal range and discover the best songs to showcase your voice.

• Practice Your Sustained Vocal

Singing and speaking require excellent breath support. Work on building your breath support with Breath Support Exercises. Try Sustain Vocal exercise to find your sweet spot.

• Try singing "Speak Softly Love"

This 1972 hit has become an icon of American cinema music and a prime example of the vocal technique showcased in The Godfather. When practicing, use Singing Carrots' pitch accuracy test and Pitch Training - Educational Singing Game to improve your accuracy and increase your vocal agility.

By following these tips, you too can develop a voice with unparalleled power and authority. Learn to speak and sing like Vito Corleone, and you'll be sure to make impression both during performances and your day-to-day life.