Talking to us with some effort, perhaps not the way they talk among themselves.

With an effort she turned her attention back to the men.

With an effort of will, I held myself on the wall by the door.

My mother brought her voice under control with an effort.

With a little more effort, he would be able to free himself.

With an effort she turned her eyes back to me.

With an effort, the man turned his head her way.

With an effort, she pulled her attention away from the fire.

With an effort, she put the thought from her mind.

With an effort of will, he made himself turn green again.