I talk very mono-toned and I try to add voice variations but it just doesn't sound good. People always ask if I smoke pot because my laid back nature and mono-toned voice. QUESTION: How can I change it? I was thinking about singing lessons or speech lessons. But is there any tips, tricks or ideas?

Maybe as my confidence level raises, my DHV story's will be stronger and come off better sounding.
I've only been out sarging 4 times now and my buddy is doing great, but he has a little higher pich, clean, crisp voice.

Yes, there are some things you can do. Also, you will do better as you continue on and become more comfortable in the field. I have a very deep monotone voice when I'm nervous or unsure of things most of the times. When I'm in a good mood I have inflections, pauses, I change my verbal pace, etc.

The first thing you need to do is invest a little bit of money in a cheap tape recorder. We are our own hardest critics most of the time. Get a tape recorder set it a few feet away. Practice your opening lines, and your DHV stories then play it back. Listen for things you can conciously work on.

Things like:
-Verbal Pace (How fast you speek): You will want to vary this at certain points of your story

-Inflection: does your voice change at certain parts of the story or what you're saying to add emphasis.

-Pauses: Mystery is right these do work well for holding the attention....of an audience.

-Clarity: Is it easy to understand what you are saying?

-Volume: Are you loud enough. I know sometimes my voice gets so deep it can almost sound like mumbling if I let it.

-Tonality: Deep voice, higher pitched? Make sure to vary this as well...be animated. Be animated when you talk and when you use your voice as well. Use hand gestures, change your facial expression, SMILE

Hope these tips help man. I used a tape recorded for a few months off and on and it helped out a lot to hear me as other people do.

Thanks for the advice, That's a great idea. That'll give me a chance to say things outloud before trying it in the field too.

Just listen. Find speakers you enjoy listening to, comedians, actors, singers etc etc. Find what you like about them specifically, and emulate that.

~Antithesis