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Public Speaking Coach Milo Shapiro Working with individuals on improving almost any aspectof their ability to speak in public. Aspects we've worked on include: - Better use of vocal variety - Handling Q&A with grace - Adding humor to a presentation - Being 'bigger" to hold interest - Making a script more persona…

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AmondaRose Igoe has dedicated her life to helping people discover and put into action the tools and strategies that create extraordinary public speaking results. As a Leading Expert in Public Speaking and Best Selling Author, she is called upon by leaders from around the globe to help them overcome their public speaki…

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Andries Smit ACA CA(SA) - has been involved in the area of Public Speaking for more than 15 years. His speaking experience includes from vast audiences to small intimate classroom lectures and even City councils. He's now using this experience to help young speakers build confidence in their own oratory abilities by t…

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Anne Warfield - Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) helps people learn how to say the right thing at the right time every time. It's by managing perceptions that you can learn to speak so people WANT to listen to you! Utilizing her expertise in Impression Management, Anne creates customized keynotes and seminars on…

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Anneesh Elizabeth is an entrepreneurial business psychologist and the director of Catapult Confederates™, an events, training and consultancy company with a global reach. Her broad and diverse business career has seen her work with some of the UK’s prominent organisations, most influential agencies, and instrumental m…

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I live in Auckland, New Zealand, on the North Shore which has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and is a very cool place to live. My folks tell me there were early signs I was going to be a public speaker. In the mate ity ward Mum said they had to move me into a room by myself because I made so much noi…

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Brian Jorg is an outdoor photographer and public speaker based in Cincinnati Ohio. Brian has been a professional photographer for over 20 years. His extensive list of stock images has been photographed from his travels to such destinations as Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Alaska, and the Yucatan. Brian has also led a saf…

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SpeakerMatch is the brainchild of Bryan Caplovitz. Bryan graduated from The University of Texas at Austin and received an Ed.M at Columbia University. In trying to build market share for his business technology consulting firm, Bryan saw the need for somewhere non-professional speakers could find speaking opportuniti…

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Researcher, organizer, simplifier, delineator of know-how and wisdom related to the business of speaking—— Author of the Speaking Success System, a 3 volume, 800+ page collection of tools, keys and techniques that yield success in the business of speaking—— Writer of a continuing stream of articles published on the…

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I was born in London, England and have also lived in Montréal, Toronto, and now reside in Los Angeles, four of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. I believe my life’s path prepared me to become one of the many high demand Accent - Dialect coaches. I must tell you that I love my job. Helping you to communicate…

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Writing his first computer program at the age of 11 on his father’s Apple 2 computer led Craig into a career in Information Technology. He spent many years writing software, consulting and project managing for medium and large organizations in South Africa. During this time, he realized that poor communication within…

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Cynthia is an Executive Voice & Speech coach, speaker and trainer based in Singapore. She helps you speak with confidence, conviction and command.

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Dale Carnegie was a best-selling author, prominent lecturer, and sought-after counselor. Born in 1888 in Maryville, Missouri, he was devoted to public speaking from his teenage years. An aspiring actor and unsuccessful salesman, he moved to New York City and began teaching communications classes to adults at the YMCA.…

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In 1993, I gave my first presentation to a large audience, and was terrified. I learned how to give presentations on-the-job by making many mistakes along the way. It was difficult and humbling and became part of my regular responsibilities. After giving presentations to more than 100,000 students and teachers in thre…

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Daniel Kingsley worked as a barrister (trial attou ey) in the UK for 15 years, appearing in a wide variety of courts upto and including the Court of Appeal. He also founded and chaired the human rights charity ReneCassin and spoke regularly before the UN Human Rights Council. Having studied various forms of meditatio…

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Hi there! Thanks for viewing my profile. My name is David Portney and as you can see by my headline, I'm an expert at public speaking and presentation skills training. I specialize in teaching small business owners and entrepreneurs in private, confidential, one-on-one workshop intensives that are focused solely and…

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Deborah Clark is a Speaker, Author, Facilitator, and Mentor After many years working as an Administrative Assistant I became involved with Toastmasters International. I have held several officer positions as I progressed through the learning modules. I continue to mentor new corporate clubs, train new members, and jud…

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Delia Thompson who spent four years in the corporate environment as a Sales Manager started The Communication Academy after receiving her LTCL from the Trinity College of London (affiliated to Cambridge University) in speech and communication - teaching diploma.

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Doug is the founder of The Leader's Institute® Team Building company as well as the Fearless Presentations® Public Speaking Course. The Leader's Institute® was the forerunner for charity team building events when they introduced the Build-A-Bike® Charity Team Building Event to the world almost a decade ago. Doug is al…

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In 1984, with less than a $500 investment, Edward launched Impact Marketing. He quickly grew the small company into a thriving organization that was later publicly traded on NASDAQ and listed as one of the “500 Fastest Growing Companies” for three consecutive years by INC. Magazine. Edward built his team to include mo…

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EMS Communications is a training and coaching firm specializing in executive-level presentation and leadership skills. Since 1998, they’ve been on a mission to “rid this world of boring presentations, one speaker at a time!” Their services include private executive coaching, customized corporate workshops and open-to-…

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Eric Stone is the Founder/CEO of Speakers & Artists International, Inc.; a Califo ia Corporation delivering advanced courses, training programs and strategic video production in the arenas of business communication, public speaking, performance, and personal growth & development. He is also the Founder and Head Coach…

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Devoting my life to helping others achieve what they're truly capable of, I've since since coached, inspired and motivated thousands of people (and counting) in the area of public speaking in Singapore. As an recognized international trainer, speaker, entrepreneur and a community leader, I spent 30 years of life to h…

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Gaurav Virk author is Master of Computer Applications (MCA) and associated http://www.ewarewebsolutions.com/"> Web Solutions Company providing quality web design, development, maintenance services and http://www.human-rights-online.org/"> human right outsourcing

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Speech Coach George Torok works one-on-one with professionals and executives from business, associations and government to help them present themselves with power. He will show you how to build on your natural strengths and character. Your time is valuable so his speech coaching style is direct and constructive. He wi…

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Gilda Bonanno is a trainer, speaker, coach and consultant who helps entrepreneurs, small business owners and corporate professionals sharpen their presentation and communication skills. She achieves these results by combining her extensive business experience with a talent for improvisational performance and a belief…

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Glenda Sparling has had a rich personal and professional life and business. Sparling, a successful businesswoman, entrepreneur and CEO of their privately held company, has currently retired from her 25 years of international travel and seminar presentations. While suffering from chronic wake-up insomnia for most of t…

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Ian Price speaks in competitions and has seen success at local, area, district and National level. In 2004 he won the Impromptu national championship, and in 2005 the Southern Area Championship. He is also a hypnotist using this skill in a therapeutic setting and also on stage. Ian specialises in training people to g…

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James Malinchak has delivered over 2,200 motivational presentations at conferences and meetings worldwide, and was named Consummate Speaker of the Year by Sharing Ideas professional speakers' magazine. He has appeared in USA Today, The Wall Street journal and several hundred other publications. James mixes enthusiasm…

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Janet Hilts is CEO of Speak Up And Shine, dedicated to helping professionals get their message out with stress-free speaking in all areas of business. Janet helps coaches, consultants and other entrepreneurs who struggle with confident speaking – whether it’s in person, on stage, online or on videotape. She is commit…

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You can empower yourself with FREE Speaking and self development tips from anywhere in the world. All you need is a computer and internet connection and you can download your FREE Better Speaking Course. Just click on the link below. Make sure to put in your name and email address and your course will automatically b…

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Jim Tunney had an exemplary career in sports. A former high school coach, teacher, principal and district superintendent, he had a 40-year career in officiating football and basketball. Thirty-one of those years he was an NFL Referee working a record twenty-nine post-season games including three Super Bowls, ten NFC/A…

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Julia Poulos is a Corporate Trainer, Keynote Speaker and Executive Coach; providing effective speaking skills training and professional/management development seminars to clients. Julia assesses organizational needs, designs customized workshops and instructs in-house corporate trainers in the development and delivery…

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Do you get anxious at the thought of having to make a presentation? Does your fear of public speaking prevent you from sleeping? Is it keeping you from success? I know how debilitating this fear can be. For 20 years, I had a successful career in jou alism. I worked behind the scenes as a reporter and producer. But…

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Hi. I’m Lee Pound and I've spent most of my life doing things most people would never attempt without thorough training. Such as becoming a newspaper editor with only six months full time experience, taking a chief financial officer job with no formal accounting experience, writing novels and non-fiction books, speak…

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Lenny is the leading authority on the topic of public speaking and presentation skills. Lenny is the National Best Selling author of, "10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking" (Grand Central Publishing) Lenny works with individuals to improve their public speaking & communication skills & organizations to improve…

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Lisa Braithwaite works with individuals to uncover their challenges and build their strengths in presenting themselves confidently asrnspeakers. Before launching her public speaking coaching business, Lisa worked in the nonprofit sector in Santa Barbara for sixteen years as anrnadvocate, educator and trainer, creatin…

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Sales-from-the-podium expert Lisa Sasevich has x-ray vision for seeing the sales opportunities that exist in every company, and the creativity to convert them into gold! If you're looking for simple, quick and easy ways to boost sales without spending a dime, get your FREE Sales Nuggets now at http://www.theinvisiblec…

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Speaker, Speaking Coach, Humor Expert. www(dot)ThoughtExpressions(dot)com for details

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Marc Adams is the Speaker’s Coach for INSPiRE Coaching. He has spoken at hundreds of events and venues, including youth events, businesses meetings, community leadership events, churches and public school assemblies. His primary audience has been students (middle-high school & college), but more and more business and…

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Presentations that Sell. Helping professionals to be passionate, poised and prosperous with their presentations. Maurice is the author of “The Art of Public Speaking, How to Kill from the Stage.” He has given over 1,500 presentations, five years on the road, battle tested techniques for you to “Kill from the Stage w…

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I am a professional educator and a presentation coach. My goal is to help you become more successful by helping you improve your presentation skills and how you present yourself. Presentations are so much more than series of Powerpoint slides, they include the slides, the visuals on the slides, the words on the slide…

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Michelle Lee is a Relationship Specialist helping women live to their fullest potential through healing and rebuilding their most important relationship. Michelle is a National Guild of Hypnotists Certified Hypnotherapist, Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner, Soul Clearing Practitioner As President and CEO of Se…

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Mike Moore is a professional speaker who delivers humorous,entertaining and persuasive speeches across Canada and the United States on " Humor in the Workplace", Humor and Stress Management and " Maximizing Human Potential". He is also committed to helping aspiring speakers enter the exciting and profitable world of…

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*****Want a WOW! speaker at your next event, conference, or convention?***** Want help in delineating your dreams and goals, AND achieving them?? ***** Nanci McGraw is a KEYNOTE motivational, speaker, corporate rntrainer, author, "DO-it" Coach, and award-winning broadcaster. Clients and rnaudience members call her a…

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International Speaker and Voice Specialist, Nancy Daniels, also known as The Voice Lady, has been involved in voice training since 1977. A graduate of Gettysburg College with a BA in music, she discovered the techniques for improving the sound of the speaking voice while in graduate school at American University in Wa…

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Nicki McClusky, LPC, LCSW, CPC, has a dual practice in Psychotherapy, Self Development Coaching and Voice Coaching in St. Louis, Missouri. She serves individuals and groups in private sessions and through a variety of workshops, individual sessions, and International Teleseminars. Nicki has been a therapist for 29 yea…

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With thousands ofentrepreneurs entering the workforce everyday, the need to stand up and beheard has never been more critical. Knowing how to genuinely deliver intentions from the heartor effectively promote a business in a natural and lively manner is the essenceof outstanding communication. The old way of presentin…

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DFW Teen Voice Prosperous & Thriving Youth We Provide that Personalilzed Touch Seminar Support for Your Schools, Organizations and Groups. We Customize Seminar Topics For Your Youth. http://www.teenvoice.ws/

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Paul Big Sky’s Managing Director and is probably the world's only presentations/pitch specialist, business trainer and life change expert to have real front-line experience of both motivational psychology and high profile television/stage presentation and comedy. As an authority in communications, presentation, perfo…

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Peter "The Reinvention Guy" Fogel is a humorist, seminar leader, and speaker coach who helps entrepreneurs, writers, and emerging speakers reach their full potential as effective communicators. He is the author of the bestselling book, "If Not Now… Then When? Stories and Strategies of People Over 40 Who Have Successfu…

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SUMMARY of QUALIFICATIONS A Minister, Author, Public speaker and Trainer. A Results-oriented senior manager, sales executive and entrepreneur with more than thirty years experience in sales and marketing, wealth planning, public speaking and training, public relations and advertising, Experienced writer and editor.…

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In the summer of 1980 Dick Warn delivered his first keynote adress at Washington Business Week's week-long summer training sessions for high school students at Gonzage, Central Washington, Western Washington, and Pacific Luthe Universities. His impact on 200 students was so great that he was invited back for every ses…

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Robert Graham is the Principal of GrahamComm, LLC, a San Francisco-based company that delivers powerful Sales, Presentation Skills and Teambuilding programs to companies worldwide. He is former President of Cable Car Toastmasters and VP of Professional Development for the American Society of Training and Development a…

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Scott is Founder and CEO of Five Talents Ventures, LLC and is a serial entrepreneur, Internet marketing consultant and a marketing geek. Scott has created and led 2 successful technology companies and has been implementing online marketing strategies since 1998. The first solved a big issue in a $3B industry and res…

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Sonja Stetzler, MA, RD is a communications and public speaking coach who works with business and healthcare professionals to improve their presentation skills so that they can grow their business or advance in their careers. For FREE tips on improving your presence on the platform, visit www.effectiveconnecting.com

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Professional Comedian, Author and Comedy Educator Steve Roye has rapidly established himself as one of the world's leading experts on the art and business of stand-up comedy and the use of comedy and humor in professional communication involving the spoken word. Now retired from active stand-up comedy performances af…

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Terryr Gault is a coach, trainer, and consultant in presentation and communications skills. He has worked with clients such as Oracle, GE, Wells Fargo, Visa, EMC, eBay, etc. In addition, Terry oversees all curriculum, services and selection, training and development of all trainers and facilitators for The Henderson G…

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Tina Guillot is a certified speaker, trainer, and coach with the John Maxwell Team and has 30 years of experience in the corporate world as a technical writer and document control manager. She is a graduate of John F. Kennedy Sr. High School in New Orleans and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management and Organiza…

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Everyone who tries to learn stand-up comedy already knows that… One of the biggest problems most new comedians face when they are trying to learn stand-up comedy is that they can’t seem to get to the punchlines quick enough in their act. In other words, the set-ups to the jokes are too long. ...

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If I told you I had discovered the secret to happiness, would you believe me? Would you send me $18.95 plus shipping and handling to read my book and discover the truth? It amazes me how many people are searching for the key to happiness and it is so abundantly available and at a really reduced rate!! It’s FREE!

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Do you know what the purpose of public speaking is? Think about that for a moment. Too often, we are so consumed by our fear, our topic, or our delivery, that we often miss our reason for public speaking. You could be standing on a stage or in the front of a classroom or at the head of the conference table. Wherever your location, your purpose is to impart knowledge to a select group of people. Whether your intention is to inform or persuade, your reason for being in front of those people, be it to a group of 5 or a crowd of 500, is your audience.

Published · 2,657 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 8 votes

The other day I heard a commercial with 2 motivational speakers and was appalled at how bad one of the voices sounded. Having not heard this particular man in several years, I was stunned by the amount of hoarseness with which he is afflicted. Considering that his voice is his meal-ticket, I cannot believe that he has not taken a course in voice improvement to fix the problem. The man I am referring to is Anthony Robbins. - Chronic hoarseness is the result of talking for extended periods of time and pushing the voice from the throat.

Published · 9,629 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

When I was teaching public speaking at the college level, I would fail any student who opened his or her presentation with the words, “Today I am going to talk about….” That is not a memorable opener and that is not the way to begin a speech or presentation.

Published · 2,801 views · Rated 4.2/5 from 5 votes

Most people who hear themselves on their voicemail or answering machine do not like what they hear. How do you feel when you hear yourself on some form of recording equipment? When you think about the image you project, be it in person or over the phone, would you consider your recorded voice to be an asset? Does it ‘speak well’ for you?

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So, you have been scheduled, invited, or commanded to speak. It could be the quarterly budget report for your firm. Maybe you are a member of Toastmasters. You could be enrolled in a local public speaking course. Perhaps it is your best friend’s wedding. Whatever the reason for your upcoming speech or presentation, what is your reaction to public speaking? Fight? Flight? Freeze?

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If the numbers are correct and 37% of the image you project is the sound of your speaking voice, then without a doubt, having a hot, sexy voice that exudes warmth and sensuality is a turn-on. For both men and women, deeper voices are much more attractive to the listeners’ ears than a high-pitch, whiny, nasal, reedy, or wimpy sound. If you look at the voices used to portray sensuality in Hollywood, two of the biggest stars are Kathleen Turner and George Clooney. Other voices that display this quality are Julia Ormond, Sean Connery, and Ashley Judd.

Published · 5,300 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

One difficult aspect of life is mastering our emotions. The concept of remaining calm in spite of what happens is easy … to agree with. Doing it is a much different thing. What happens when we allow ourselves to panic? We instantly lose sight of the obvious, forget everything we have learned, and we become a liability to ourselves and others. Panic is the most common cause of death among new people to scuba diving.

Published · 1,519 views · Rated 4.7/5 from 3 votes

You have been to a specialist and been told that there is nothing medically wrong but you still suffer from hoarseness and/or a persistent sore throat. You may even lose your voice by the end of the day. Yet the doctor sees nothing wrong with your throat or vocal cords aside from some redness. What is causing the redness, the hoarseness, or the pain and how can you put an end to it?

Published · 5,325 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Nothing is more humiliating then answering the phone and having the caller ask to speak to your mom or your dad and you are 20 or 40 or 60-years-old! While this problem is generally more common among women than men, it is demoralizing to have others think you are a child over the phone. In person, you obviously don’t look like a child, but the image you are projecting if you sound like an 8-year-old is definitely not an image that lends credibility to you or instills confidence in your listeners.

Published · 4,112 views · Rated 3.8/5 from 4 votes

Through my many years in the voice business, I have learned more from my clients than any book or theory on voice. What has been extremely fascinating is what I have discovered as to why we sound the way we sound.

Published · 11,020 views · Rated 2/5 from 3 votes

Welcome back to Storytelling Tips and Tactics. As I mentioned in my previous article… specificity sells and makes a story more personal! When it comes to effective story telling give your audience a place to envision by telling them the specific location of your joke or story. For instance, say you were in Tommy's Diner in Hoboken, New Jersey -- as opposed to just New Jersey. Your audience will have a specific place to think about and will become more engaged.

Published · 3,910 views · Rated 5/5 from 5 votes

Often we are so consumed by our speech or presentation, our delivery, or our nervousness, that we fail to recognize the value of composure in approaching the lecte or the head of the boardroom table. You are judged not only when you begin to speak but also during your walk to the front of the room or onto the stage of the auditorium or the hall. If your shoulders are slouched, your head hanging low and your eyes staring at your feet, how confident do you look?

Published · 3,211 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

The last thing you want in public speaking is to leave your audience abruptly hanging without the knowledge that you have concluded. In my previous article, I discussed the need for signaling the end of your talk. The 2nd criterion, however, involves reinforcing your central idea. The most common closings are: 1. Briefly Summarizing Your Development. If you have a few subtopics, then you could end your speech or presentation by briefly listing those subtopics which all serve to reinforce your main topic.

Published · 15,540 views · Rated 4/5 from 7 votes

The speakers people like the most, or who have the greatest impact, are said to have “presence.” Something special that leaps out at you. Certain actors have it, and that makes them "stars." Certain models (who by the way are sometime average looking people in real life) somehow "click" with the camera and it just loves them.

Published · 3,742 views · Rated 5/5 from 5 votes

Imagine that you are standing in front of an audience. Your hands are cold and clammy, your knees are wobbly, and your stomach is in knots. You manage to smile but you can feel your lips twitching. You open your mouth to speak, praying that your trembling lips allow for your voice to come out. And, it does! However, the sound that ensues is anything but solid, stable or reliable. Nothing is more embarrassing for a speaker than to be plagued with a voice that quivers, shakes, or skips an octave when standing at the lecte or the head of the conference table.

Published · 4,722 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

Color is the life, the emotion, the animation, and the passion you express in speaking. Whether you are in conversation, holding a conference call, or giving a speech or presentation, not expressing color when you talk is referred to as speaking in monotone. Another way of saying it is boring. I have found a distinct relationship between dressing colorfully and speaking with expression.

Published · 4,395 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 6 votes

I always say when it comes to speaking or performing, you must adhere to Murphy's Law. What can wrong … will. I don't know who this Murphy was, but perhaps he should get in touch with Montezuma (and his revenge.) Please note, dear reader, I am not a fatalist. I am more of a realist. Yes, you can fix the lighting the sound… even the proximity of the platform to the stage. But the challenging part is getting the host, (or organizer) who hired you -- to give you the proper introduction.

Published · 3,088 views · Rated 5/5 from 3 votes

When you listen to the greats, like James Earl Jones, Julia Ormond, George Clooney and Diane Sawyer, one characteristic which they all share is that their voice vibrates in their chest when they speak. While everyone vibrates in the area directly below the vocal folds, as well in the throat, mouth, and nasal cavities, those who power their voice by means of their chest cavity actually feel vibrations in their mid-torso region. Does it matter whether you vibrate in your chest or not? Only if you want a warm, rich, resonant sound.

Published · 7,267 views · Rated 4.3/5 from 4 votes

Perhaps you've been there yourself. You are listening to a speaker drone on with facts and figures… and figures and facts. At that moment your eyes are rolling towards the back of your head. As I always say - audiences will forgive a lot of things from you -- but they will never forgive a boring speaker. The speakers job is to engage and capture an audience's mind and tug at his heart strings. You always want to keep them listening… a great way to do that is chuck the fact and figures and use effective stories during your public speaking engagements.

Published · 3,111 views · Rated 5/5 from 3 votes

You know you have vocal abuse but you don’t know what to do about it. Some may tell you to whisper (truly a no-no!) while others tell you to stop talking. Neither is the answer. Whispering is very hard on your vocal folds (cords) and should never be done. And, most people are not in a position to stop talking for months or even a year to stop the discomfort or pain. The real problem with vocal abuse is that if you can alleviate it by not speaking or singing for a certain amount of time, it will only return if you continue with the same vocal habits that started it in the first place.r

Published · 4,892 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

If you have trouble making eye contact with your audience, I suggest you make every attempt to change that practice. A young lawyer with whom I was working would glance about the room, briefly looking at someone and then immediately glancing at someone else, never actually seeing any of us in his audience. At first, you would think he was making eye contact but as he continued in this pattern, you realized that he saw no one in his audience. A furtive glance tells your listeners that you have something to hide.

Published · 5,576 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 4 votes

I once met a man who told me that his soft-spoken voice made others become quiet and pay attention to him. It took everything in my power not to laugh in his face. In today’s loud, fast-paced, hectic world, being soft-spoken is definitely not a strength, especially in America. To be constantly asked to repeat yourself is one of the reasons others take over the conversation. Imagine watching a movie and the volume is not quite loud enough to be able to understand the actors’ words. That is exactly what is happening when you speak and others cannot hear you.

Published · 5,303 views · Rated 4/5 from 4 votes

Speaking in a normal volume of sound can be especially tricky for the soft-spoken. If you are asked to repeat yourself or are often interrupted, then you should consider remedying the problem if you expect others to hear what you have to say. Those who are unable to hear you, tire of asking you to repeat yourself. And, in most cases, you will be interrupted because those with bigger voices will take over the conversation.

Published · 5,047 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

I cannot tell you how many of my clients have admitted to me that they do not prepare for their presentations. When I hear that I am always stunned. If you know in advance that you are to speak to a group of people for whatever reason, how can you not prepare in advance? This is a no-brainer in my opinion. Do you not think that every single athlete, musician, singer and actor prepares for the big game or opening night in advance? Yes, they may be extraordinarily gifted in their abilities but that does not mean they can afford not to practice or rehearse.

Published · 3,320 views · Rated 3.4/5 from 8 votes

The poet Longfellow said, “Great is the art of beginning, but greater the art is of ending.” While this 19th century poet was referring to the poem, his words are equally applicable to public speaking. Many great presentations and speeches are less than stellar because of a weak or non-existent finish. Yes, you must grab your listeners’ attention with your opening. It is a must if you want to capture your audience from the moment you begin.

Published · 3,227 views · Rated 4/5 from 3 votes

It has been interesting for me to hear how many people think they have a nasal voice when in fact they do not. The reason this happens is because the voice they hear in their head when they speak (which is how they think they sound) is deeper in pitch than the one they hear on their answering machine, voicemail, or some other form or recording equipment. And, once they hear their recorded sound, the higher pitch makes them believe – rightly or wrongly – that their voice exhibits nasality.

Published · 12,552 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

At a workshop I was holding in Toronto, one of the participants proceeded to deliver part of a rote, memorized persuasive presentation. This man, who I will call Bill, told us that he was a ‘professional’ speaker and that his presentations lasted 90 minutes. Luckily for us, he was only allowed to speak for 8-9 minutes; however, it took just 5 minutes of his memorized script for the attention of the group to begin to fade, as their eyes glazed over. What was so interesting about Bill’s delivery was that at one point, he forgot a word.

Published · 6,890 views · Rated 4/5 from 7 votes

I recently had the opportunity to hear a world-renowned public speaker and was surprised as well as disappointed by his delivery. While his message was excellent, his means of delivering that message would have gotten him a C- in my college public speaking class. Without a doubt, content is important in any form of public speaking; however, if your entire script is written out word-for-word in your PowerPoint presentation, why bother? It would be a better use of the audience’s time if you would Xerox it, pass it out, and then everyone can go home!

Published · 6,406 views · Rated 4.5/5 from 2 votes

A splash is something that rocks our thinking. It can be the death of a friend, the loss of a pet, or an accident on the highway. It is a wake-up call, hopefully causing us to reconsider what we are doing and where we’re going. Far more subtle and far more dangerous are the little ripples of thought. The “I can’t,” when we truly could. The “I shouldn’t,” when we really should. And the “it can’t work,” when it truly would. As Earl Nightingale so clearly said, “We become what we think about.”

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Recently I was talking on my cell phone to a woman from my credit card company and I was continually asking her to repeat herself. When our business was completed, I told her that because of the way she clipped her words, I had missed much of what she was saying.

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Ideally, it should be your goal to deliver an excellent speech or presentation with enthusiasm and passion. However, if you had to choose, which one do you think would be better? A great speech with a boring delivery? Or a mediocre speech given with expression and emotion? There is no simple answer to that question; however, with a lifeless, dull and flat delivery, you will lose your audience no matter how great your words.

Published · 4,865 views

When I was in graduate school studying music composition, my singing professor told me that the pitch of my speaking voice was too high and proceeded to show me my ‘real’ voice. Deeper in pitch, warm and resonant, my ‘real’ voice no longer exhibited whiny, young-sounding qualities. At the same time, I was waiting on tables at an exquisite restaurant in Columbia, Maryland, by the name of King’s Contrivance. Upon discovering my real voice, I knew I was going to sell more food. And, it worked. I sounded more mature; I sold the higher-priced items; and, my tips went up.

Published · 3,308 views

Talking to the Bureau in Person or On the Phone Before you call a speaking bureau, do some research to figure out which ones match your goals. Just as two snowflakes aren't a like -- it's the same with speakers bureaus. Your best plan (and you'll discover if they are truly interested in you) is to Invite the right bureaus to come to a program. Afterwards, go into schmooze moan take their representatives for lunch or a drink afterwards. Each of these bureaus is a way for you to get more paid bookings. So the trick is to get deal with bureau individually.r

Published · 2,547 views · Rated 5/5 from 3 votes

There are various approaches to voice training that you should be aware of if you are interested in improving your vocal image. Even some coaches who are published will not teach you the basic fundamental of good voice improvement because they are working with the voice you already have. Good voice training means discovering the voice you don’t know you have. And the only way that will happen is when you are taught to use your chest cavity as your primary sounding board.

Published · 4,368 views

While there is no doubt that a loud voice can be most painful to your listeners’ ears, have you ever considered how your loud voice affects the image that you project? We are all conce ed about image. Look at the number of articles and books written today on image and what it means for your success, both professionally and personally. While a loud voice can be overbearing, it is important to recognize that other people may be judging you unfairly because you happen to speak with too much volume.

Published · 3,324 views · Rated 4/5 from 4 votes

Did you know that your face and body talk? What are those two elements of your image saying about you when you deliver a speech or presentation? No matter how great your words, if your facial expression and body language are saying one thing but your voice is saying another, then you are sending a confusing or even possibly the wrong message. Part of that which makes for dynamic public speaking is being expressive when you speak.

Published · 2,699 views · Rated 4/5 from 3 votes

Mmmmm, another fabulous rainy Monday here in Arizona! Rainy days for me always call for introspection. And today more than ever I know that my most favorite topic is Self-Love. I'm still amazed at how many people don't even think about it. But for me, it is the most important aspect of spiritual or personal growth. Your level of Self-love is based on your self-concept-or how you percieve your self. The perception that you have of your self determines EVERYTHING. I'm afraid that most people don't really understand how BIG your self concept is in everything you do and experience.

Published · 1,673 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

With the world becoming a huge melting pot, we are hearing accents wherever we go and whatever we listen to. This article is not about getting rid of your accent. Accents are part of what makes you, you. I would never advocate trying to eliminate it. The only problem with an accent or even a dialect is when your speech is unintelligible.

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One of the difficulties people have with their speaking voice is that they have no control over it. They push hard from their throat and vocal cords to speak instead of allowing their sound to be powered by their chest cavity. And the difference between these two practices can be quite extreme.

Published · 1,860 views

Are you experiencing chronic hoarseness or a persistent sore throat and you are not sick? If so, it is called vocal abuse and it will not go away on its own. In fact, it will more than likely get worse. There are some who suffer with these symptoms to the point that they even lose their voice by the end of the day. Vocal abuse is caused by misplacement of your voice. While that may sound strange, what is happening is that you are placing too much wear and tear on your vocal folds (cords).

Published · 2,746 views · Rated 3.8/5 from 4 votes

One of the most frequent questions I hear is how do I tell my spouse, my friend, or a colleague that they need to improve their speaking voice? This really is a tough issue because if you approach someone advising them that their speaking voice needs some work, they are probably going to be offended. If we had the ability to hear ourselves the way everyone else does, this would not be an issue.

Published · 3,414 views · Rated 3.8/5 from 5 votes

If a persistent sore throat or chronic hoarseness is something you are experiencing, your 1st step is to find out the cause. If left unattended, it will likely get worse and possibly result in permanent damage to your speaking voice. What I am talking about is known as vocal abuse and it is becoming more and more common in today’s hectic and ‘loud’ world.

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Some years ago, Barbara Walters interviewed Kathleen Turner, commenting on Turner’s “low, wonderful voice.” The actress responded that she could not understand how a woman could spend thousands of dollars on her clothing, hair, and makeup and not spend some of that money on her voice, as she imitated a whiny, nasal sound in the process.

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I think that our level of Self-love is one of, if not the most important aspect to our personal and spiritual growth. If we focus on that one area alone we will find that all other areas in our lives, from money to our relationships to our over all happiness and success will improve drastically. Not only that but when we nurture our relationship with Self we are simultaneously nurturing our relationship with God/Spirit.

Published · 2,405 views · Rated 4/5 from 3 votes

There is no doubt that public speaking is a battle, a battle often lost because the speaker is trying to be something or someone he is not. What is interesting about public speaking is that you stand a much better chance of winning the battle if you would stop trying to impress your audience. Instead, you should express to your audience. Good public speakers talk to their audience, not at them. They treat their audience just as if they were having a conversation in their living room. For some, however, that is the battle.

Published · 2,534 views · Rated 4/5 from 2 votes

Torture is sitting through a long-winded speech in which the presenter is staring at his/her notes on the lectern, focused entirely on reading to the audience. My feeling is that if you are going to read something to me – and I’m not attending a reading at the library or Barnes and Noble – then why not copy it, pass it out, and we can all go home or back to work. Better yet, email it to me! Public speaking means communicating with your audience. It is a live venue, the sole purpose of which is to speak to a group of people.

Published · 9,125 views · Rated 3.7/5 from 6 votes

Gaining your audience's attention at the beginning of your presentation is crucial for two reasons: your audience will remember the first things you say (primacy effect), and they will decide to stay engaged with you. Here are 4 ways to start your presentation on the right path for engagement.

Published · 1,642 views

The number of adult voices I hear which sound like teenagers, preteens, or younger still is astounding. Add the familiar Valley Girl sound to the picture and you have an image which does not project maturity. I am not talking about sounding old. I am talking about a voice which you would call ageless.

Published · 2,139 views

As a voice coach, I hate the word loud when it is used in conjunction with the speaking voice. Loud hurts your listeners’ ears; and, over time, loud can hurt your throat. I don’t want you to speak louder – I want you to speak with more power, with an increase in your volume which is not painful to your throat or your listeners' ears.

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When I was in graduate school studying music composition, my singing professor told me that I was not using my ‘real’ voice when I spoke. I had no idea what she was talking about. I thought the voice you had was the voice you would always have. She then explained that the pitch of my habitual speaking voice was too high and that my ‘real’ or true voice was lower by several steps.

Published · 1,942 views · Rated 4.5/5 from 2 votes

Definitely the biggest day of the year when it comes to sporting events in America, Sunday’s Super Bowl game will result in thousands of injuries for fans that most will not take seriously. No, it is not overeating, gastric reflux, or drunken stupors. It does not involve your legs, your arms or your heart; and, it most definitely will not be life-threatening. It will, however, result in discomfort and likely some pain.

Published · 2,353 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

While it is true that most people do not like to hear themselves on recording equipment because they do not like or recognize the sound of their speaking voice, there is another group of people who are also surprised by their lack of clear diction. And it does not just happen to those in which English is not their first language. It happens to those in which English is their native tongue. - Being able to speak the language of the country in which you are living is very important.

Published · 1,846 views

If you are looking for answers when it comes to improving the sound of your speaking voice, there are 3 things you should seek in your training because there are sseveral different approaches. You will find articles, books, CDs, and DVDs all promising to improve your voice. Which approach is the best? Many courses in voice offer various exercises for you to practice in order to change or eliminate the characteristics which you don’t like.

Published · 4,927 views · Rated 3.9/5 from 8 votes

You can have the greatest voice in the world but if your delivery is not colorful then you are boring. There is no other way to say it. Speaking in a monotone does not sell, no matter what your business is.

Published · 3,087 views · Rated 3.8/5 from 4 votes

When someone looks at you, your visual image is obviously the first thing they see. And, that image has an impact on the other person – your attire, your figure, your face, your hair – everything that is presenting the picture of you. But what happens when you open your mouth to speak? Have you ever considered whether your speaking voice does justice to the visual image you project? Or whether the content of what you are saying is being well-served by the sound of your speaking voice?

Published · 3,790 views · Rated 4/5 from 2 votes

One of the 1st things you do when you start a new business is to create a business card. While the purpose of the card is to identify you and your business, your goal with that card is to project a positive image of that business. In fact, you should probably hire a creative talent to design your card because you want an image that looks professional and successful.

Published · 1,761 views

A frequent problem that is coming to my attention is the number of ministers, rabbis, those in the clergy, who get in touch with me because of voice loss. For many of these people, they are sometimes losing their voice before the end of the sermon. Unfortunately, microphones are not the answer because in most of these cases, they are using an amplification system. The problem lies in their internal amplification system. Because most people use their voice box, pharynx, mouth and nasal cavities as their primary amplifiers, they place tremendous wear and tear on their vocal folds and throat.

Published · 3,133 views · Rated 3.8/5 from 6 votes

Have you ever made a mistake? Done something you shouldn’t have? Said something you shouldn’t have? Or Not done something you should have? Not said something when you should have? I know I have. And you know what? As bad as it seemed at the time, and no matter how bad it looked, I made it through. You can to. So what is the secret, magic formula? There isn’t a secret, although there is something. What is this thing? It’s easy. Ready?

Published · 1,459 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

There is much debate as to the idea of thanking your audience. Some suggest never doing it while others recommend it be done as your parting words. There are even those who prefer that you thank your audience twice, both in your introduction and in your closing.

Published · 1,953 views

A surprising number of people suffer vocal abuse and are unaware that it is a problem which will not go away on its own. There are no drugs or medicines a doctor can prescribe that will end your suffering because the abuse is being caused by misplacement and/or overuse of your speaking voice. In the long run, what this means is that as long as you continue with the same vocal habits which created the abuse, it will not go away and it will probably get worse. The symptoms of vocal abuse may be chronic hoarseness, persistent sore throats or even loss of voice by the end of the day.

Published · 2,969 views · Rated 3/5 from 4 votes

In my last article I discussed the importance of using your face to express emotion in public speaking. In addition to your facial expression, though, is the language of your body because the latter talks as well during your presentation. The question is, ‘what is it saying?’ Standing perfectly still, rigid, or immobile during a presentation (or even a speech where you are somewhat limited by the presence of a lectern) says one thing to your audience. That you are most uncomfortable and would rather be somewhere else!

Published · 3,014 views · Rated 4/5 from 4 votes

Have you ever had a telephone conversation and the person on the other end of the line was speaking too loudly? What is your first reaction? Probably, to move the phone away from your ear. Talking too loudly is just as ineffective as speaking too softly except for one primary difference: the loud voice physically hurts your listeners’ ears. If there is a problem with volume, I have found that it generally tends to be with those who are soft-spoken. In that case, others will often move closer, straining to hear what you are saying.

Published · 7,644 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

Activate Your Goal Setting Magic Plan: #You have it inside of you; you have already many times heard this repeated "You already have what you need inside of you". Yes, you already have your Magic Plan activate it think, write it down with goal setting.

Published · 3,027 views

With all the articles written on nervousness in public speaking, I thought I would approach this topic from a different perspective. Everyone gets nervous in public speaking (or should). There is a reason why it is man’s greatest fear. The questio I would like to ask you is what is the one thing that conce s you the most when you are scheduled to speak? Your answer cannot be dying while public speaking because that has never happened and I don’t think you will be the 1st one to get that title!

Published · 4,252 views · Rated 3.9/5 from 7 votes

Through my many years teaching voice improvement, I have made some startling discoveries regarding dyslexia, stuttering and even spasmodic dysphonia. Because my approach deals with learning how to breathe with the support of the diaphragm, my clients have benefited in ways unimaginable; and, this has become very apparent with those who are afflicted with dyslexia. Part of the material I use in my training is from Edgar Allen Poe’s, The Fall of the House of Usher.

Published · 3,586 views · Rated 3.4/5 from 5 votes

When I first started my voice business, my husband remarked that he did not understand what my clients were saying in their ‘before’ recording. He was, however, able to understand everyone in their ‘after’ clips. Why were my clients speaking more clearly in their ‘after’ recording? While I will certainly help someone with his/or her enunciation if there is an obvious problem, accent reduction is not my specialty.

Published · 1,737 views · Rated 1/5 from 1 votes

http://www.selfgrowth.com/ http://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/patricia_ross www.teenvoice.ws SHOP ONLINE TEEN VOICE STORE http://teenvoice.spreadshirt.com/rnr

Published · 1,624 views

Recently, I read an article about improving your voice in 7 days. While I do not agree with the writer’s suggestions or methodology, the truth is that you can actually find your ‘real’ voice in about 1 hour. Admittedly, your ‘real’ voice will not be a habit in only 60 minutes, but one of the fascinating results about the correct approach to voice training is that you will begin your hour with your old or habitual voice and you will end that hour with your real one.

Published · 10,117 views · Rated 4.3/5 from 4 votes

The answer really depends on your topic. There is one situation in which the answer would be, ‘no.’ Let’s say, for example, that you have survived a death-defying event and are being interviewed on TV to talk about your experience. Labeling yourself as an expert is a non-issue. However, if your goal in public speaking is to talk about motivation, social media, marketing, sales, etc., then the answer would most definitely be, ‘yes.’ Otherwise, why would an audience be drawn to listen to you if you were not an expert?

Published · 1,687 views

Some people are terrified just by the thought of public speaking; other people are nervous right before and during the opening of their speech or presentation. Is there a difference between the two? Most definitely.

Published · 2,778 views · Rated 4/5 from 4 votes

For 5 months of the year, my garden is brown, lifeless, and dull. Were it to remain colorless through the rest of the year, I would have no passion or interest in gardening. That which makes the voice interesting to listen to – by means of your vocal variety, facial expression, and body language – is known as color. It is what all listeners want to see and hear. If those we watched on TV and in the movies had no expression, Hollywood would not exist.

Published · 1,897 views

A problem that affects a surprising number of people is that of speaking too softly. If you are not able to be heard, then much is being lost in your life because your communication skills are not being recognized. In short, you are not effective – either professionally or personally. On the other hand, I am not recommending that you speak too loudly! The difficulty for those who are soft-spoken is understanding how much volume is proper or is needed in any given situation. As a voice coach, I have devised my own volume levels through the years.

Published · 2,826 views · Rated 4/5 from 6 votes

Have you ever noticed that the best speaking voices in the business are deep, rich, and warm? Think of those actors – both men and women – who are known for having a great sound. Who is your favorite? James Earl Jones or Sean Connery or George Clooney? How about Angelina Jolie, Felicia Rashad, or Kathleen Turner? All of these voices are deep in pitch – not high. One of the greatest and definitely the sexiest of the voices was the late Barry White. Whether the man was speaking or singing, his voice was incredibly sensual and one of the most alluring sounds I’ve ever heard.

Published · 1,857 views

I couldn’t believe I was going to open my presentation with that joke. Me, of all people! Yet, there I was. With my heart pounding in anticipation… I was about to bound onto the platform and speak in front of over 250 people… Not only that, I was going to open my presentation with a bit I had just come up with! Before I continue, you need to know the back-story. I was asked to emcee AWAI’s 2009 FastTrack to Success Bootcamp Awards Ceremony.

Published · 3,292 views · Rated 3.1/5 from 8 votes

Do you know how many opportunities are missed by not striking up a conversation with someone in an elevator for example? How about when you are waiting in line at a popular restaurant? Maybe you are sitting at the airport in preparation for your flight. Perhaps you are waiting for the doors to open at a football stadium or hockey arena. You could be one of thousands of people taking the subway in New York or the El in Chicago.

Published · 2,884 views · Rated 4.2/5 from 5 votes

# http://www.selfgrowth.com/ BY TEEN VOICE BELIEVE AND REACH YOUR GOALS part 1rn "Touch It Mentally" SHOP ONLINE TEEN VOICE STORE http://teenvoice.spreadshirt.com/ Time is the essences that carry you through life!! So, what do you believe in to get you through daily? Even when you can't see it believe it and manifestation will follow. 'TOUCH IT MENTALLY'. In this sentence let's look at the words time & believe.r

Published · 1,549 views

I love to hear the excuses my clients give for why they did not do well at their last speaking engagement. Whatever the excuse, in most cases, the real reason for this problem is lack of preparation. I cannot tell you how many people tell me that they went over their material several times and they still did not do well giving their speech or presentation. I then ask them how they practiced and they proceed to explain that they went over it in their mind on numerous occasions. Do you know the mistake in that scenario? They went over it in their mind.

Published · 2,357 views

Speaking in monotone is more than just a problem. It is boring. There is no other way to say it. The problem with a monotone delivery is that it puts your audience to sleep and it does so very quickly. If actors were to speak in monotone, television, movies and theaters would not be one of our greatest forms of entertainment. The other problem if you speak in a monotone is that it gives the wrong impression to your listeners. It says that you do not care because no emotion is being seen, heard, or felt. I worked with a lovely woman by the name of Dawn.

Published · 5,730 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 4 votes

As a people, we are conce ed about the image we project. Certainly in business we want to project a professional image. Does your speaking voice complete that image or does it detract? By the way, I’m not talking about the voice you hear in your head. I’m referring to the sound you hear on your voicemail – the sound by which everyone else recognizes you.

Published · 1,781 views

Color refers to those various effects in speech which give life to your delivery. Another way to describe color is the emotion and the animation heard in your voice and seen in your body language and facial expression when talking. The interesting thing about color is that you don’t want too much or too little. Similar to the fairy tale, Goldilocks and the 3 Bears, you want the right amount of color when you speak to keep your audience’s attention on your words.

Published · 1,860 views

Dry mouth, sweaty palms, heart racing, wobbly knees, jittery hands, stomach in knots, quivering lips. How many of these symptoms are typical of you before you even walk to the podium? Hopefully, at least one! Yes, I want you nervous because if you aren’t excited, agitated, stressed, or panicky in some fashion, then I am. The best at public speaking get nervous when standing on the podium and they are not alone.

Published · 2,827 views · Rated 4/5 from 4 votes

One of the most annoying traits in speaking is the use of verbal tics. We have all heard them at one time or another. If you are aware that your speech is plagued with these filler words, it would be a good idea to work on eliminating them because they take away from your message: your audience loses focus on what you are saying. Instead, they begin counting! Words like um and ah are the most obvious. They are common; they are annoying; and, they mar your speech.

Published · 3,178 views · Rated 3.8/5 from 5 votes

Ending your sentences on the upswing is what I call the Valley Girl sound. Basically, it means that your statements sound like questions. It may be cute for 16-year-olds, but it definitely does not lend credibility to a professional image. If you are ending your sentences on a pitch higher than that with which you started, you should make the change. Careers are built on ability, credibility, and sounding mature – not too old – not too young. When your inflection makes you sound like you are questioning yourself, you are not projecting a professional image. Nor do you sound credible.r

Published · 5,029 views

While everyone recognizes a nasal voice in which excessive sound is traveling through the nose while speaking, many are unaware of the opposite extreme known as denasality. When you are congested or if you suffer from allergies, often the result is a voice in which little or no sound is able to be carried through the nasal passages because they are inflamed and swollen. Recently I spoke to a young man named Jason whose voice exhibited both characteristics. In addition, the pitch of his voice was unusually high for a man.

Published · 4,368 views · Rated 4/5 from 5 votes

http://www.selfgrowth.com/ http://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/patricia_ross www.teenvoice.ws SHOP ONLINE TEEN VOICE STORE http://teenvoice.spreadshirt.com/ #We live in a new age of buying for our desires and wants. We as adults need to learn control and discipline because our children are watching. We have internet buying and infomercial buying do you participate? If so answer the question what are your needs? and gain self control and discipline yourself to know the difference of instant gratification and saving when you make a purchase.r

Published · 1,691 views

One of the most fascinating things I find on television or in the movies is that everyone’s speech is clear and understandable. Whether the actors are playing hoodlums or heroes, whether the characters are from Harlem or Park Avenue, they all speak distinctly. This particular characteristic is a prerequisite for actors whether they are on stage or in front of the camera.

Published · 1,773 views

#http://www.selfgrowth.com/ BY TEEN VOICE BELIEVE AND REACH YOUR GOALS part 2rn "Touch It Mentally" SHOP ONLINE TEEN VOICE STORE http://teenvoice.spreadshirt.com/ Ask yourself: the following: HOW can i make the difference in my life every day? WHAT one new thing can i add positive to my life each day that will make the difference? WHEN is the start time and completion time? EX. if you are going to return to school?r

Published · 1,587 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Neither is correct. The voice that is too loud hurts the listeners' ears -- the voice that is too soft is not being heard. In both cases, the message is being lost because listeners are unable to focus and it all boils down to volume. I just received an email from a Public Speaking Forum in which the writer was questioning what to do with her client's loud voice. The responses from those who are professional speakers, as well as some who teach presentation skills, were interesting and varied -- none of which I would recommend.

Published · 8,953 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 11 votes

The answer is maybe. As an example, let's say that you are soft-spoken. If you are asked to repeat yourself a lot, others may think you lack confidence. This is just one description which comes to mind when I hear someone who doesn't speak at a normal volume level in conversation. However, I have met many soft-spoken people who are confident. - The real question is what impression do others have of you because of how you sound?

Published · 2,169 views

Does this sound familiar? You go to a loud club and your friends tell you that they can’t hear you even though you’ve been talking in a louder voice. Your throat feels raw and sore or perhaps you have lost your voice after an hour or two of straining to be heard. What you are experiencing is vocal abuse. You’ve been pushing your voice, which is not only straining your vocal cords and throat, but is not being heard in the process. This is tiring, frustrating and can lead to permanent damage. - Your friends don’t have this problem so why do you?

Published · 1,793 views

I met a website designer named Donna at a business expo who had a wonderful, eye-catching display that was drawing large crowds of visitors. Unfortunately for Donna, she lost her voice after having spoken to perspective clients for only 1 hour. It was 10 o’clock in the morning and the expo was not going to close for 8 more hours. While her booth was bringing great traffic, she was struggling to speak. Her voice was very hoarse and very soft in volume. In addition, her throat was sore.

Published · 3,013 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

When you think of Fran Drescher in her role as The Nanny, what thought first comes to mind? Her beauty or her nasal voice? For many people, their first thought is her whiny voice which, over time, can be quite annoying, even nerve-wracking, for her listeners. While Drescher’s infamous sound is typical of some who live in North Jersey or one of the five boroughs of New York City, nasality doesn’t just affect those in the Big Apple or the Garden State!

Published · 4,367 views

In the direct marketing world, of which I am a part of, there is a formula that sales writers adhere to. And it’s one that speakers can use as well. It is called The 3 T's Speaking Formula! It is old advice, and yet, it's an excellent use of your talents and time and is quite effective in holding your audience’s attention. This formula holds up today. Because, well, human nature really doesn’t change.

Published · 10,134 views · Rated 3.1/5 from 9 votes

Imagine watching a speaker who has wonderful words of advice, encouragement, experience and/or success and that speaker never once looks in your direction – in fact, that speaker never acknowledges you or anyone filling those seats to hear his/her wonderful words. Does that happen? More often than you may think. I have seen, as well as worked with, many people who have strong delivery skills but are lacking in one particular area. They are unable to make eye contact with their audience.

Published · 3,878 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

Today there are numerous ways you can improve the sound of your speaking voice. There are books, CDs, DVDs, webinars, private sessions, group sessions and even Skype. I find that one of the most effective means of discovering your ‘real’ voice is the 2-day workshop. While voice training is very successful by means of video, I seriously doubt that you can improve the sound of your speaking voice with a book or a CD because you must both see and hear how to do it and how not to do it. A good video program will cover both of those prerequisites.

Published · 1,728 views

While this particular problem can affect men, tension in the jaw is much more common in women. Women carry stress differently than men and it usually affects us in our shoulders, neck and/or jaw regions. If you are experiencing tightness or soreness in your jaw, it is more than likely that it is affecting your speech as well. Unfortunately, the problem will not go away on its own. The first thing you need to do is to learn how to get rid of the stress in these regions.

Published · 5,056 views · Rated 3.6/5 from 5 votes

In the world of public speaking, there are only 2 reasons for giving a speech or presentation (not counting the ‘after-dinner’ speech which is a topic unto itself). You are addressing an audience to either inform or persuade. That being said, if your subject is informative in nature, your job is to convey knowledge and information. If your topic is persuasive, on the other hand, your goal is to change or strengthen your listener’s beliefs and/or motivate them to action. The question is – how do you, as the speaker, persuade an audience to accept your views?

Published · 2,973 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

It never ceases to amaze me how many people want to get rid of their nervousness in public speaking. In truth, they should embrace that wonderful rush of adrenaline. If you’re not nervous when presenting, then I am because being overly confident is never a good thing in public speaking or any live venue for that matter.

Published · 5,375 views

Imagine standing at the lectern. You see the many smiling faces of those in your audience. Your countenance, however, says anything but that you are glad to be there. While you may not be thrilled at the prospect of giving that speech or presentation, if your face displays your displeasure, how enjoyable will your delivery be for those who are in attendance? If you read most articles and books on the subject of public speaking, they will tell you that there are only 3 reasons for public speaking: to entertain, to inform, or to persuade.

Published · 5,690 views · Rated 4/5 from 3 votes

One of the most important things as a speaker has to do to make an impact with their audience - is to control the environment they are in. Believe it or not, some speakers get the “gig” (aka the engagement) show up at the correct time and realize the seating arrangements or the lighting is off. Trust me: If your lighting or environment is not at optimal levels, your performance will suffer and you could get a poor evaluation.

Published · 2,944 views · Rated 4.2/5 from 5 votes

If you desire to be a public speaker, then you have a goal that needs to be met if you are going to be successful in your career. I am not talking about the wedding toasting, the valedictorian speech, or a travel presentation to a senior citizens group. I am talking specifically about the persuasive presentation. Your goal with this type of presentation is to satisfy the needs of your audience. They came to hear you speak for a reason. Whatever their issue, their problem, or their pain, your job is to ‘ease their pain.’ That is the bottom line.

Published · 1,608 views

So many people rely on their voice for their business – yet so many people are unaware that their voice can have a tremendous impact on the success of their business. When you hear yourself on recording equipment or an answering machine, for example, what is your reaction? While your 1st response may be that you don’t recognize the sound, it is quite possible that your 2nd reaction is one of embarrassment.

Published · 2,203 views · Rated 2.7/5 from 3 votes

Let’s say that you are interested in pursuing a career in public speaking. Or maybe you have a presentation due in your public speaking class. Possibly you are a member of Toastmasters and you are scheduled to speak at your next meeting. Why should people listen to you? Why should others trust what you have to say? What makes you credible? Establishing credibility is one of the most important qualifications for ensuring your success as a speaker. Zig Ziglar, internationally-renowned public speaker, salesperson, and writer, commands thousands of dollars to speak for 40-minutes.

Published · 4,376 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 6 votes

Have you ever considered opening your speech or presentation with a story? If done well, a true story is an attention-grabber. It can be humorous, suspenseful, thrilling, provocative, or dramatic, any of which immediately lends credibility to you as the speaker. Don't stop there, however: good presentations have true accounts woven throughout the development. They add interest as well as validity to your topic or your subject.

Published · 2,592 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

Do others often ask you to repeat yourself because they don’t understand you? If you are a man, it is possible that you mumble. Mumbling is easy to recognize: sound is definitely coming out of the mouth however the lips are not moving. if you are a woman, on the other hand, then it is more likely that you have a tight jaw, in which the lips are moving but the jaw is not. In both of these cases, one’s diction is difficult to understand because the words are not being articulated clearly.

Published · 5,876 views · Rated 4/5 from 3 votes

Some years ago, I was in London, Canada, speaking to a very large group of lawyers and their spouses about the power of the speaking voice. Part of my presentation on voice deals with color, which is the life, the animation, the emotion you express in speaking. In talking about this aspect of the voice, I mentioned a lawyer from London who was very well-known for being expressive – a most colorful man – by the name of Julius Melnitzer.

Published · 1,831 views

Imagine standing out from the crowd when you speak. Is it possible? Everyone has a better voice inside of them; unfortunately, most people are unaware of it. What is a better voice? One that vibrates in your chest when you speak and grabs your listeners’ attention with its warmth and resonance. Unfortunately, the only resonance most people hear when they speak is that which is coming through their nose. That is not the resonance I am talking about.

Published · 3,771 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

What do you think constitutes perfection in public speaking? Is it saying every word perfectly without a mistake? Is it never losing your train of thought or emphasizing a particular word in a particular sentence or smiling at the right moment?

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Speed in public speaking, or for that matter, in any type of communication, is very similar to that in driving a vehicle. If you move along at 100 miles an hour, you stand a greater chance of having an accident than if you are doing 75 mph.

Published · 2,012 views · Rated 3.6/5 from 5 votes

You know the feeling - sweaty palms, dry mouth, butterflies in your belly. You are not alone. According to a study published by the Institute for Mental Health in March 2012, about 75% of us suffer from speech anxiety. Speaking anxiety is defined by a speaker's level of fear or unease with speaking to a group of people. Even though speaking anxiety is a common and natural reaction to delivering a presentation, here are 5 ways to reduce this anxiety and enable you to become a more confident speaker:

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That is such an interesting question and I am confident were I to do a study on the subject I would receive just as many 'no' answers as 'yes.' Telling your audience a ‘fish story’ may be seemingly harmless, but even a little white lie can lead to others questioning your credibility.

Published · 4,063 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

Have you ever noticed that when you are extremely fatigued, your voice is much weaker than if you are energized? Not surprisingly, your vocal health is determined by the health of your entire body. Thus, if any of the following 5 factors are typical of your lifestyle, so too will the following 5 factors have an affect on your speaking voice.

Published · 7,252 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

A surprising number of young men email me regarding the difficulty they are having being heard at the club scene. What is happening is that they are yelling and are ending up with sore throats. Is there a way to solve this problem aside from not speaking? The answer lies in learning how to place your voice properly in order to take the pressure – the strain – the wear and tear – off your throat and vocal folds (cords). The soreness, discomfort or even possible temporary loss of voice is known as vocal abuse.

Published · 3,292 views · Rated 2.8/5 from 6 votes

While many public speakers ideally want to speak to the masses and are looking for large audiences with which to market their knowledge, their opinions, or their products, there are definite rewards in addressing small groups. And while your format will be the same, your delivery will be slightly different because with a small group, you have the ability to become much more personal with your listeners, even to the point of learning their names.

Published · 2,608 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 2 votes

I had a wonderful experience recently as the proud parent of an officer in training in the United States Army. 137 young men and women were given their branching orders. They walked onto the stage alone, faced the audience and said “I’m Intermediate Officer Candidate,” followed by their last name and then announced their orders which included infantry, chemical, military police, engineer, military intelligence, etc.

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If you are looking to make the best impression possible, sounding like a Valley Girl is not helping that objective. When you raise the pitch of your voice at the end of every sentence, you lose all semblance of credibility because your statements sound like questions. You may be very credible; unfortunately, a rise in the pitch of your voice at the end of statements does not sound that way. - Generally speaking, questions go up and statements go down. It is as simple as that.

Published · 1,585 views

Imagine that you are listening to a speaker at a conference or even at the head of the boardroom table and you begin to notice that every sentence is connected with the word and. Have you ever heard this before? Nothing could be less interesting than listening to this dull, unimaginative style of addressing an audience except possibly hearing you know at the end of every sentence!

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In an article I wrote about the value of diaphragmatic breathing in public speaking, what I did not discuss was how this type of breathing is what you must do in order to find your ‘real’ speaking voice. And that ‘real’ voice is deeper in pitch, warmer in quality and resonant in sound.

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There are several dynamics that make for good public speaking but the one component that far outweighs all others is the need to breathe while speaking. Without air, there is no voice. And yet, many novice speakers never think about that life-giving force when addressing an audience. In fact, it is often the last thing on their minds when indeed it should be the first.

Published · 3,605 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

There is no doubt about it. Most people not only dislike hearing themselves on recording equipment, but they also don’t want to believe what they hear. The unfortunate truth about what you hear on your voicemail, camcorder, or some other form of recording is that that sound is exactly how everyone else recognizes you.

Published · 1,862 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

If you answer the phone and the caller asks to speak to your mother, you might want to consider voice training in order to add some ‘years’ to your voice. Not that I want you to sound old. I don’t. Good voice training means that you will no longer sound like a teen or pre-teen. Instead, you will sound mature. Not too old, not too young, ageless. You have a better voice inside. It is just a matter of discovering where that voice is. Located inside your chest cavity, your ‘real’ voice is deeper in pitch and warmer in quality.

Published · 9,795 views · Rated 3.6/5 from 5 votes

You talk; they listen. You move; they watch. You make a joke; they laugh. You say something profound; they muse or applaud or frown. My question to you is whether you ‘listen’ to your audience or not. As much as you are the center of attention when addressing an audience, are you aware of the conversation happening in the room? Good public speakers understand that, while they may be the one doing all of the talking, the reaction of their audience to their words is the conversation. Public speaking is not acting – it is the art of effective communication with an audience.

Published · 2,351 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

Tired of repeating yourself? Not sure if mumbling is the problem? If you are asked to repeat yourself a lot, you may be soft-spoken, you may be speaking unclearly because of an accent, you may be talking too fast, or you may be a mumbler. It is also possible that some or all of the above affect your speech. If you are unsure if you mumble, a simple test would be to record yourself saying something you know from memory and then listen to the playback. What did you hear? Or better yet, what did you not hear?

Published · 6,138 views · Rated 3.7/5 from 3 votes

If there are 2 candidates for a job in which one sounds like a Valley Girl and the other does not, I guarantee that the candidate who speaks with normal inflection will win that battle. When your answers, remarks, or statements are on the upswing, it sounds like you are asking a question. This is the reason questions are posed with the pitch of the voice on the rise. (Incidentally, pitch refers to the highness or lowness of sound and is not similar to volume which deals with the loudness or softness of sound.)

Published · 1,675 views

Choppiness in speaking occurs when you pause too often. Pausing in conversational speech is normal; pausing during a speech or presentation is ideal. Pausing too often, however, is tedious for the listener and is referred to as choppy speech. The problem with choppy speech is that you leave your audience waiting for you to continue.

Published · 6,164 views · Rated 2/5 from 2 votes

I receive emails on a daily basis regarding vocal abuse – not just from those who are experiencing difficulty in talking but from singers as well. The only piece of advice I give them is to take the pressure off of the throat and vocal folds (cords) and allow their chest to become their primary sounding board. This piece of advice may sound strange but it is the only means of eliminating vocal abuse. Whispering is not the answer, nor is being silent for a year.

Published · 3,149 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

The first time I heard those specific words was from one of my clients many, many years ago. She had found her ‘real’ voice and told me that her she couldn’t believe what a fantastic tool her voice was for her business. Let me ask you a simple question. Would you rather listen to a high-pitched, nasal, weak or wimpy speaking voice or a captivating, resonant one? If you are like most people, you probably would prefer the latter.

Published · 1,574 views

When you hear yourself on your voicemail, chances are good that you don’t recognize what you hear. Chances are even better that you not only don’t recognize the sound but that you find it embarrassing, shocking, or revolting. Because you are unable to hear yourself the way everyone does, the sound you hear on your answering machine is probably higher in pitch than that which you hear in your head. In addition, your voice may be whiny, nasal, breathy, throaty, weak, shrill, boring, monotonous, wimpy, loud, or too soft in volume.

Published · 3,934 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 6 votes

How many times have you spoken to a stranger on the phone and formed a mental picture of that individual only later to be surprised when you met that person face to face? How we speak and how we sound often conflict with our education, our cultural background, and even our intelligence. Your speech reveals many things about you and yet it often does not reflect who you truly are: your training, your experience or your abilities.

Published · 2,444 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

After you have given a presentation, and especially at the beginning of your career (and even when you are at a level of expertise), you should critique your presentation skills to improve. It’s safe to say the more proficient a speaker you are, the better the communicator you are. The better the communicator you are, the more engagements you will get!

Published · 2,389 views · Rated 4/5 from 4 votes

Do you know the #1 thing most novice speakers never think to do when delivering a presentation? It never crosses their mind and yet it is the one thing they are in desperate need of throughout their talk. And, once they lose it, they are in a constant race to catch up on it. No, I am not talking about your train of thought, your words, your ideas, your speed or any other technique to help in your delivery. I am talking about what you need to take in – physically – in order to support your spoken words. It is called air.

Published · 3,171 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Instead of trying to eliminate or put an end to your nervousness, would you be interested in one simple remedy that will allow you to grab on to your nervousness and take it for a ride? That is the feeling you get when you are in control of those nervous jitters and not the other way around. Bear in mind, everyone gets nervous (or should) in public speaking. If your nervousness is in control of you, however, then the outcome of your delivery is highly questionable. Instead, why not allow your adrenaline to feed your body rather than deplete it?

Published · 2,592 views · Rated 3.8/5 from 5 votes

If you are plagued with a voice that puts your listeners to sleep, it might be an idea to learn how to add some color – some life – some emotion to your delivery. Because we are unable to hear our own voice as others do, we are also unable to recognize when our delivery is less than expressive. Only when you hear yourself on some type of recording equipment or are told by others that you speak in a monotone can you become aware of this problem. And, do not delude yourself into thinking that a voice that is boring is not a problem. It is.

Published · 4,167 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Today, unemployment is higher than it has been for quite some long time and, in many cases, older workers are looking for a job after years of security in their former positions. For some, just the idea of being interviewed is a frightening experience. With the high number of applicants seeking the same job, older workers may feel quite daunted in their search. What can you do if your experience is excellent but your interview skills are less than stellar? Without a doubt, good interview skills are one of the most important characteristic for those obtaining employment today.

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You know others ask you to repeat yourself (a lot) and you know that you lose control of the conversation when people talk over you. You know you have great ideas but those ideas are not being heard because you are often interrupted. You know you are frustrated when you hear, “What did you say?” Being soft-spoken is not a quality that is highly regarded in the business world today. Business is moving faster than ever and if you expect to be taken seriously, you must be heard the 1st time you say it or business will pass you by.

Published · 1,897 views

If you are scheduled to give a speech or presentation, plain speaking should be your choice so as not to appear affected, superior, or on exhibit. Plain speaking, simply put, is the ability to speak and be easily understood by all in attendance. And, it goes hand-in-hand with the theory of treating your audience as if you were having a conversation in your living room. Lengthy sentences, long words, flowery speech, or highly technical terms do not lend themselves to plain speaking.

Published · 1,475 views · Rated 3.2/5 from 5 votes

Victor Borge, the late, great, Danish comedian once said, "Laughter is the shortest distance between two people." Well, it can also be the longest yard in trying to make an audience laugh, as I tell you what happened to me when I once performed on a cruise ship. Remember: when it comes to public speaking start powerfully to get the “undivided” attention of your listeners and then build to a large close. I thought! Oh, my God... I-Am-In-The-Bermuda-Triangle-of-Humor!

Published · 3,117 views · Rated 4/5 from 5 votes

While nervousness or fear of the speech or presentation is researched frequently on the internet, some of the finer points of one’s personality and delivery are often excluded. Once you are able to control your nervousness, it is important to recognize some of these finer points, the most humbling of which is humility. Displaying arrogance, self-praise, and bravado are not the traits found in truly great public speakers. What you will find instead are speakers who are honored by and grateful for their audience.

Published · 3,544 views · Rated 3.8/5 from 4 votes

Imagine you have just spoken for 10 minutes or 40 minutes about your business, an idea, your book or your products and you are receiving good applause. Yes, you just gave a good presentation. My question to you is whether your good presentation was electrifying? What is the difference? Many people are good at public speaking; not quite as many are electrifying. Those who can compel their audience, who can immerse their listeners with their words in such a way that their listeners lose all track of time and are sorry to see the presentation end, captivate.

Published · 2,889 views · Rated 3.6/5 from 5 votes

Surprisingly, the answer to that question is actually your environment. While the innate quality of the speaking voice is something you inherit, there are numerous environmental factors that play a viable role in how you sound and speak.

Published · 7,741 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Do you know the difference between diaphragmatic breathing and what you are doing right now? The chances are good that you are a shallow or lazy breather because the majority of the population breathes in this manner. What do I mean by shallow or lazy breathing? Using the upper chest for respiration. And, you may think this is normal or natural when indeed it is not.

Published · 2,354 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

If your diction is difficult to understand, it could be due to an accent. Please understand that accents are not a problem. They are part of your culture; part of what makes you, you. If you have an accent, I do not recommend trying to eliminate it. Instead, I suggest you work on speaking more clearly and your 1st step in the process is to record your voice. Until you hear how you sound, you may not recognize that your diction is at fault.

Published · 2,014 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Ladies, I want you to imagine lying on a table on your stomach, your breast is dangling through a huge hole in the table, and a mammography machine proceeds to squeeze your breast in the exact same manner it does during a mammogram. Now I want you to imagine that instead of being in that ‘squished’ position for 20 or 30 seconds, you are relegated to that pressure for 45 minutes! According to the Radiological Society of America, “stereotactic mammography pinpoints the exact location of a breast mass by using a computer and x-rays taken from two different angles.

Published · 3,767 views · Rated 3/5 from 3 votes

I recently received an email from a man who runs a museum in Australia inquiring whether he could include my blog posts in his newsletters for his museum guides. Why would a museum guide need information on the voice? Because his employees often speak non-stop throughout their day.

Published · 1,835 views

How you feel effects how you speak, and, if you are feeling poorly, either physically or emotionally, it may be heard in your voice. Another situation that can affect your attitude in public speaking is if you are not pleased with the material you are presenting. If such is the case, then your displeasure with your presentation can have a negative affect on your attitude In lives plays or concerts, do you think every actor or every musician or singer is in the best of spirits for each and every performance? Absolutely not. But as they say in the business: The show must go on.

Published · 4,182 views · Rated 4.3/5 from 4 votes

Remember that old story about the tortoise and the hare? I want you to be the tortoise. The tortoise, why? Because if you work slowly and deliberately you will make less mistakes and produce a higher quality product. The hare races through life, never taking time to worry about the quality of his work. He rushes through projects, gets them done, quite often with just barely adequate quality, usually with a lot of mistakes that someone else (the tortoise) has to fix. The hare finishes a project and immediately moves on to the next thing on the list, without ever once slowing d

Published · 1,376 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

If you are scheduled to give a speech or presentation, plain speaking should be your choice so as not to appear affected, superior, or on exhibit. Plain speaking, simply put, is the ability to speak and be easily understood by all in attendance. And, it goes hand-in-hand with the theory of treating your audience as if you were having a conversation in your living room. Lengthy sentences, long words, flowery speech, or highly technical terms do not lend themselves to plain speaking.

Published · 2,671 views · Rated 3.7/5 from 3 votes

If you suffer from chronic hoarseness and are not sick, then you are likely in the throes of vocal abuse. While it is possible that certain antihistamines or other types of medications can produce irritation in your throat, for many people, prescribed drugs are not the cause. Vocal abuse is. These same people may go to an ENT specialist, be given a clean bill of health, and leave not knowing what is causing the problem or what to do about it.

Published · 4,130 views · Rated 2.7/5 from 3 votes

Being expressive when you speak is referred to as color. Color is heard in the various and vivid effects of your vocal sound: it is also seen in your facial expression and body language. Speaking without color is called speaking in a monotone. It is also called boring. - You can have the most resonant, dynamic speaking voice, but if you lack expression then it is quite possible that you are putting your audience or your listeners to sleep!

Published · 1,797 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 2 votes

We read and hear in the New Thought circles that we are creating our experiences every day and that to master our experience we must take responsibility for every experience we have. This statement alone can bring on a wide array of emotions and the first one is usually not empowerment, however it is the only one we really want. If you've done much reading on manifesting you will know that Abraham-Hicks is a big proponent of feeling good and keeping your thoughts on what you want rather than what you don't want.

Published · 1,542 views · Rated 3/5 from 4 votes

Too often we conce ourselves with The How of public speaking and give much less thought to 5 other questions we should be asking of our host. Yes, your public speaking skills may be top notch, however, there are certain things you need to know before you do anything else.

Published · 1,872 views

In addressing an audience, be it to 4 people or 400, one factor will remain the same: the format of your presentation. You will still have an opening, a development, and a closing. However, there are major differences in your delivery as well as your contact with your audience which is dependent on the size of your group. 1. You will need more volume if you are speaking to a large audience. While this may seem like a no-brainer, many people are not good at judging whether they are being heard well or not.

Published · 6,290 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 2 votes

If you are a member of a business or social organization, such as the Lions, the Rotary, a chamber of commerce, BNI or another type of leads or referral group, there is the possibility that you will be responsible for introducing a speaker at one of your meetings or functions. Known as the introductory speech, there are 4 things you need to do to accomplish your goal effectively. 1. Keep it brief. While your role is important, your audience is there to hear the person you are introducing, not you. Consider yourself the conduit between your audience and the speaker.

Published · 12,411 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

You are probably not comfortable hearing your voice on your voicemail or your answering machine and yet you may not realize that if you hear your voice that way, so does everyone else. Because the manner in which you hear yourself is vastly different than what the recording equipment is telling you, might it not be an idea to consider improving your vocal image? The other day I received a phone call from a man in the New York area who said he had found me through my website. His intention was to sell me on the idea that his company would produce and distribute my video products.

Published · 3,870 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

It is interesting to note the diverse opinions when it comes to marking your speech with pauses and smiley faces and underlining particular words for emphasis. My questions to you follow. Do you want to give a speech that is akin to delivering a script as if you were acting on a stage? Or, do you want to deliver your speech as if you were having a conversation in your living room? Your answer will determine whether you should mark script or not.

Published · 3,053 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 2 votes

I recently attended my uncle’s memorial service and it was wonderful to watch 4 of his 6 children talk about him. There is no doubt that all were experiencing butterflies as they stood at the lecte but they did an excellent job controlling their nervousness. The expression of their emotions, however, varied greatly.

Published · 1,978 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

One of the skills a marketer knows if he wants a high response from his campaign is to understand the make-up of his audience. He (or she) will dig deep to understand their core desires, needs, and wants. In essence, what “makes them tick!” Well, the same type of expertise is needed to win over your audience when you giving a speech or presentation. For the speaker to succeed he NEEDS to know who they are and why that audience is there. The good part is that the client and the location can give significant information about the audience and related demographics.

Published · 4,126 views · Rated 4.1/5 from 7 votes

It never ceases to amaze me the number of people who are so conce ed with their visual image, watching their weight, working out, donning the most recent style of clothing, and yet are totally in the dark when it comes to the sound of their speaking voice. If you are plagued with a voice that is nasal, whiny, high-pitched and thin, you are not doing justice to your visual image. People recognize you by the sound of your voice. Unfortunately, how you think you sound and how you actually sound are two different ball games.

Published · 6,862 views · Rated 3.4/5 from 7 votes

I hear from many people about their chronic hoarseness, a persistent sore throat, and even loss of voice by the end of the day. This is called vocal abuse and until you change how you produce voiced sound, you will not stop this abuse.

Published · 1,782 views

The phone rings and suddenly you are confronted with leaving a message on someone’s voicemail. Panic ensues and you become tongue-tied or speechless. My first question would be to ask you what is your fear? Had someone indeed answered the phone, would you have been prepared to address that individual? For some people, just the thought of making that important phone call and possibly being confronted with voicemail on the other end is frightening enough not to make the call. If such is the case, then the business you are hoping to introduce and/or sell will not happen.

Published · 3,953 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Have you ever thought something was going to happen just because its what you thought you deserved? Or that somebody else knew something because you knew it? “Yes, I have, Mike. What’s the big deal?

Published · 5,292 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

When it comes to public speaking, most people are aware that it is man’s greatest fear. Thus, it is not selective in who it affects nor how it affects those who stand at the lecte or at the head of the boardroom table to give that all-important presentation. There is no doubt that practice can be one of your best tools in conquering your fear; but, there is something else that most people are unaware of that can allow you to take your nervousness and let it work for you and not against you. Simply put, it is learning to breathe with the support of your diaphragm.

Published · 3,080 views · Rated 4/5 from 3 votes

When it comes to improving your presentation skills, only one voice matters – yours! Have you ever considered what your speaking voice is saying about you? Have you ever listened to a recording of yourself? No, I mean listened, truly listened to how others recognize your voice. Most people ...

Published · 3,438 views

Does this sound like you? You spend a few hours at a football game and find you have no voice afterwards. Or perhaps you are coaching your kid’s soccer team and, after an hour of practice, you have a sore throat. Or maybe you have been providing some training sessions and your voice is hoarse ...

Published · 4,059 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

The number of people looking for information, books, CDs, and seminars on self-improvement is staggering. Ever conce ed with honing our business skills, improving the image we project, feeling good about ourselves, juggling jobs and family…we are all on the search for bettering ourselves and ...

Published · 3,605 views

In today’s multicultural world, many people are looking to eliminate their accent and I have a better suggestion. Instead of trying to get rid of your dialect or accent, why not clean it up? n You may believe that your accent is keeping you from getting the job you want or moving ahead in ...

Published · 3,401 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

When we hear the word nasality, we tend to think of New York City and her 5 boroughs. Excessive nasality is not limited just to New Yorkers though. I have found various forms of nasality common in certain pockets of both the United States and Canada. If you are from Philadelphia, Detroit, or ...

Published · 25,747 views · Rated 4/5 from 6 votes

Are you one who often reverts to whispering or speaks consistently in a soft voice instead of a normal volume of sound? I am not talking about the horse whisperer or the dog whisperer in this particular case, but the individual who speaks in a whisper even when his/her throat is not sore or ...

Published · 2,731 views

When we think of the great speaking voices, those that come to mind are the likes of Vin Diesel, Kathleen Turner, James Earl Jones, Cher, Sean Connery, Morgan Freeman, Demi Moore, Barry White, and John Rhys-Davies. What distinguishes these particular voices from those of many other great ...

Published · 7,542 views

Maybe your clients DO care a little about you. We’ve been told for decades that ‘your clients don’t care about you, but only what’s in it for them.’ As an entrepreneur, do you really believe that? Would you want to align yourself with people who don’t care about you at all? Not even one ...

Published · 1,409 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

The experts agree that having uncomfortable conversations is the best way to succeed in your business. Timothy Ferriss, author of The Four Week Work Week talks about the importance of having uncomfortable conversations in this current economy and how it relates to small business ...

Published · 3,311 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

Be aware of these signs of communication cover-up. Transparency is the new secret to success. You may be familiar with the Adam and Eve story. A blissful day in the garden goes bad and the great cover-up begins. We've also found ways of covering up our truth by sending mixed messages, adding ...

Published · 1,134 views · Rated 3/5 from 3 votes

15 minutes a day will improve your confidence and increase your sales conversion rate. What do you think of when you think of acting? I used to think that acting was pretending, but after studying it I discovered that it’s more about making the most of your every single move. It’s about being ...

Published · 1,460 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

Bringing more of YOU into view is critical for the success of your business. Here's how. A common problem for speakers is doing too much of the same thing. Predictability is the enemy of the presenter. Eyes glaze over; people stop listening. Just as artists work with a full palette of colors, ...

Published · 1,132 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

A juicy connection with your audience will bring you more business. Go beyond the basic speaking skills and learn irresistible intimacy. Nothing of real significance happens without it. Sure, there’s a time for a basic speech class. It’s where a lot of people go to get experience in a ...

Published · 1,099 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

Don’t let these common fears hold you back. A line from Caroline Casey’s speech at the Green Festival intrigued me. She said, “Our security used to be in laying low. Now, our security lies in showing up.” As independent professionals, it’s more important than ever to take on the challenge and ...

Published · 1,248 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

Before recording and posting a video, consider these seven presentation tips to ensure that your authenticity, expertise and passion shine through. It takes courage to show up. No less, showing up online where thousands of people can rewind, pause, and study if you’re the person they want to ...

Published · 1,376 views · Rated 4/5 from 3 votes

How to keep your audience engaged while giving a presentation. Become the speaker that people know, like and trust. Watch your sales and referrals soar! Your audience is more disce ing than they were a year ago. So many things are calling for their attention they have to make judgment calls ...

Published · 1,117 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

There is nothing more frustrating than having people ask you to repeat yourself because they did not hear what you were saying. There are several reasons why this may be happening: you may be soft-spoken; you may have an accent in which you are not enunciating your words clearly; or, you may ...

Published · 12,232 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

There is one word I use to describe the resonance I am looking for in each every ‘real’ voice I discover. While all voices that have had training exhibit a greater depth and breadth of sound – a fuller, rounder quality – some voices will be deeper in pitch, some brighter in tone, others may be darker in quality.

Published · 1,700 views

Have you ever stood in line waiting for service? Stupid question, right? Have you ever used that time to introduce yourself, your product or your services to the individual in front of you, in back of you, or along side of you? If not, then you are missing a golden opportunity for potential ...

Published · 2,087 views

While my last two articles dealt with the elevator speech, I wanted to take this opportunity to explain the differences between the elevator speech and the personal introduction. You may think that the two are one and the same, but they are not. One of the factors that differentiate the two is ...

Published · 3,828 views

There is an interesting lesson we learned in our early elementary school years that has managed to cause more negative results than the positive results for which it was intended. In 2nd or 3rd grade, our teachers taught us to wait until we came to the end of the sentence before taking a ...

Published · 3,504 views

When you practice your material for your speech or presentation, do you record yourself by means of a camcorder? If not, then you should definitely consider this important step in the process of preparing for your delivery. Camcorders today are not that expensive. Look at the purchase of this ...

Published · 5,460 views

When you are delivering a presentation, do you know that your body is speaking as well as your voice? Watch all great presenters and you will see that they use their bodies to express their feelings, their thoughts, and, most importantly, their confidence. If you walk to the podium with ...

Published · 3,285 views

The other day I heard a speaker who was very dynamic in his delivery except in one respect. He paused too often and for too long. Without a doubt, pausing is one of the most important characteristics of good public speaking: pausing that is excessive or predictable is not. The beauty of the ...

Published · 2,225 views

Consider the following scenario: there are two men both equally attractive. One has a voice that is warm, rich and deep. The other man has a voice that is soft, high-pitched, wimpy. Which man do you think women will find more attractive? If you guessed the man with the dynamic voice then ...

Published · 4,251 views

If you are soft-spoken, how do you think others judge you? Do you think they regard you as being confident, assertive, and self-assured? If you are conce ed about the image you project, then your soft-spoken voice is definitely not projecting those qualities. Instead, your lack of volume is ...

Published · 23,277 views · Rated 4/5 from 2 votes

There is nothing worse than sitting in the audience, checking your watch as you wait for the speaker to close, knowing your presenter still has 8 more main points to cover and you have already heard 14 of them! When this happens it is interesting to note that the speaker usually seems totally ...

Published · 3,842 views

While visual aids can have a tremendous impact on your delivery, the danger in their use lies in placing your entire script on PowerPoint, a slide presentation or even a white board. What is fascinating about the overuse of this feature is that I have seen it not only with amateur speakers but ...

Published · 2,017 views

When you address an audience, do you think your articulation has value? The only answer is most definitely yes. If your audience cannot understand you or misses a word or a phrase here and there, then they are missing your message. And, if they are missing your message, then it doesn’t ...

Published · 2,901 views

In my last article, I discussed the fact that diaphragmatic breathing is the single most important thing you can do to take control your nervousness in any form of public speaking. I refer to it as the physical component of public speaking. There are 4 other factors, however, that can help ...

Published · 1,556 views

Some years ago a woman phoned me and asked if she could attend a presentatio I was holding in Detroit. The woman sounded like a child on the phone and I wondered if she was old enough to drive herself to the hotel. She then asked if she could bring her daughter and my first thought was that ...

Published · 4,362 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

While my last article dealt with the causes and cure for vocal abuse, I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss the reason you must end this abuse as soon as possible. Simply put: where would you be without a voice? Whether you are suffering from discomfort, pain, or hoarseness to either ...

Published · 2,029 views

At some time in your life there is the likelihood that you will or have given a speech. Throughout your education, it is quite possible that you were required to speak on a particular subject at one time or another. Perhaps you toasted the bride or groom at a wedding or were asked to give a ...

Published · 2,267 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Yes, man’s greatest fear is public speaking. The statistics tell us so. Instead of being part of those statistics, however, why not address those fears and learn how to put your nervousness to good use? Of course your first response is to question how that is possible. How do you take your nervousness and let it work for you and not against you?

Published · 2,890 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Often those who speak in a monotone are not allowing their emotions to be heard or be seen. They have a tendency to repress their feelings, keeping them on the inside. Expressing emotion is normal; it is natural; and, it is referred to as color – the life, the animation, and the passion which ...

Published · 2,742 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Through the years, I have been amazed at how many people are totally unaware that they have a richer, warmer, resonant, and even sexier speaking voice inside. Most people believe that the voice they are using out of habit is something they cannot change. Nothing could be further from the truth. Unless you are already powering your voice from your chest cavity, you do have a better voice inside. There are some changes on the ‘before’ and ‘after’ video clips of my clients that are so dramatic you might think it was two different people speaking.

Published · 6,491 views · Rated 3.7/5 from 6 votes

Do you believe in yourself? I do. Sometimes all it takes to be successful is a positive mind set. Positive thoughts can be powerful. Believing in yourself is a huge first step towards a successful presentation. Just for a moment, forget all the stress, anxiety, and nervousness you feel when you know you have to speak in front of people. Take that moment and focus instead on your belief in yourself. Tell yourself that you believe in you! I know it sounds silly and simplistic, but... It works! Here’s an example: I just returned from a trip to Havasupai Canyon.

Published · 1,325 views

I recently worked with a woman who spoke at 100 mph and seldom paused to take a breath – even in normal conversation. Most people, yes, the majority of the population, pause while talking to friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances and even the clerk in the grocery store. Unfortunately, the one time the pause is often missing is when addressing an audience. The pause is invaluable for several reasons: 1. It allows you to take a breath, thereby supplementing your air supply, instead of waiting until you are totally spent of oxygen. Remember, without air, there is no voice.r

Published · 1,920 views

Ah, the perfectionist and public speaking. Without a doubt, those who seek perfection when addressing an audience are chasing an elusive dream. There are no sports played perfectly, no concerts performed without a flaw and no theater productions that are delivered without a mistake. While you may believe that the game was thrilling, or the concert was sublime, or the play was excellent, none of those adjectives mean perfection.

Published · 1,686 views

What constitutes perfection in public speaking? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. You can type a paper perfectly. You can have a perfect score on a test. You can sew or cut a perfectly straight line. But who is to say that a presentation or a speech is delivered perfectly? Perfection in such a situation is subjective.

Published · 1,991 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Many years ago when I first started my business, one of my clients, a woman billing herself as a professional speaker, was quite adamant in her disagreement with me about nervousness. She said that she was never nervous making a presentation and did not think nervousness was good.

Published · 2,129 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

A common complaint for those giving presentations or speeches is that they run out of air and can never seem to catch up on their air supply. The biggest problem with breathlessness is that your body is starved for oxygen because you are not allowing yourself the luxury of breathing. Instead, you are waiting until the last moment to take a breath; and, at that particular stage in respiration, the breath you inhale will largely be ineffective because it will only increase your stress rather than decrease it. When you are in normal conversation, do you ever wonder when to breathe?

Published · 3,397 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

Do you ever think about smiling when addressing an audience? If not, you should. Did you know that it takes 43 muscles to frown but only 17 to smile? Therefore, when you consider energy consumption, it is much wiser to smile than it is to show fear no matter how bad your nervousness. In addition, smiling is better for your health both physically and emotionally. One of your goals in public speaking is to build a relationship with those in attendance and the chances of that happening are much greater with a smile than a face displaying lack of interest, scorn, or boredom.

Published · 2,029 views

Do you know the difference between projecting your voice and yelling? The latter hurts your throat and can be painful to your listeners’ ears. The latter also does not make your children sit up and take notice of what you are saying. Instead, they either cower in fear or stop listening to you.

Published · 2,615 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

This past April when Susan Boyle walked onto the stage and approached the microphone on Britian’s Got Talent, the Irish singer was judged entirely on her appearance. Her audience assumed that her performance would be a disaster and responded to her entrance most negatively and with laughter. Even after she opened her mouth in answer to Simon Cowell's questions, those in the crowd were expecting this woman to make a fool of herself. Little did they know. When you approach the lecte for your speech or presentation, do you walk with confidence, with purpose?

Published · 1,721 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Often I find that unclear or poor diction is due to talking at 100 mph. It is certainly not uncommon to hear it in people in which English is not their 1st language; however, it can also occur for speakers in any language whether it is their mother tongue or a 2nd language.

Published · 1,773 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

One of the biggest frustrations when trying to communicate with those who mumble is the fact that we, the listeners, cannot understand their diction. What generally results is that we will ask that oft-repeated question, "What did you say?"

Published · 1,735 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

A lot of people contact me because they want to speak more clearly, more distinctly. What I explain to my clients and customers is that my goal for them is not to eliminate their accent – merely to have them be understood the 1st time they say it. I like accents. An accent or even a dialect is part of what makes you, you.

Published · 1,829 views

Sometimes we get so caught up in the idea of public speaking – be it from nervousness or excitement – that we often do not have a clear idea about those to whom we will be addressing. In truth, you cannot even begin to create your presentation until you know about your audience. And, the best way to gain that information is to ask.

Published · 2,532 views

If you listen to the great presenters, you will find that they share one attribute in common: they speak from their heart. While they may have given the same presentation hundreds of times, their material sounds fresh and new with each delivery. If you memorize your presentation, the likelihood of delivering your material in a rote fashion is almost a guarantee. On the other hand, if you learn your material according to your outline, treating your opening, closing, and sub-topics as blocks of information, you will be able to speak around those blocks.

Published · 1,250 views · Rated 4/5 from 2 votes

Have you ever seen a speaker who thrilled you down to your toes? How about just the opposite? I’ve seen both and unfortunately, the boring ones far outweigh the exciting ones! Let’s examine two people; Ferris Bueller and his teacher - played by Ben Stein. The teacher just plodded through his day, droning on and on... “Bueller...

Published · 1,330 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

As a professional speaker, not all of your talks will be designed to be humorous or entertaining in that fashion. Sometimes your talk may be on serious subjects to elicit donations or certain actions from people in positions of influence. In these instances, you still need to wear your creativity hat, because once again, you will be appealing to people's emotions, except this time, not their sense of humor. To get people to feel involved or want to become involved, you have to appeal to their emotions.

Published · 4,178 views · Rated 4.5/5 from 4 votes

New speakers make the mistake of focusing all their creative efforts on the body of their talk, and maybe the opening. But guess what? The 'close' is just as important as the 'opening' of your talk. In fact, your audience may remember you more from your close than from your opening. If you think about it, the close is probably even more important than the opening. If your opening wasn't the huge success you'd hoped for, you have the rest of your talk and your close to remedy the situation.

Published · 3,524 views · Rated 4.4/5 from 5 votes

If your voice is plagued with too much nose, then what is hiding inside could be a truly amazing instrument. And since the majority of the population is not aware of and thereby not using their ‘real’ voice, the majority of the population does not know just how great their speaking voice may be.

Published · 1,729 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 2 votes

It seems the jury is out on this one, with opinion divided on whether or not it is okay for a professional public speaker to laugh at your own jokes. Maybe it's just me (although I doubt it given the number of comedians and humorists who also laugh at their own jokes), but I believe the aim of a speaker is to connect with the audience, and sharing a laugh is the perfect bridge to achieve that. Yes, to a degree speakers are entertainers. Entertainers do it because not only do they love what they're doing, they also love the interaction with and the reaction of the audience.

Published · 4,286 views · Rated 4.6/5 from 5 votes

Biorhythmic differences aside, generally speaking, the majority of people are not at their peak first thing in the morning. What does this mean for you if you want to public speak like a pro? Especially if you're expected to "warm them up" with your witty repartee? Well, it means that you have to make allowances for early morning audiences and make some slight adjustments to your talk. You will rarely find an early a.m. audience to be a rowdy raucous bunch of lively participants.

Published · 3,543 views · Rated 4.5/5 from 4 votes

Many of my clients speak English as a second language, initially contacting me because they are not being understood when they speak. Of course, they question if their English skills are lacking. In 99% of the cases, I have found that their English is good; it is their diction that is the problem. - Being understood the 1st time you say it is a prerequisite in business as competition in the job market is incredibly fierce in today’s questionable economic times.

Published · 1,561 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

With over twenty-four years experience performing stand-up comedy, writing comedy, and doing audience warm-up on sitcoms, I've learned that using humor in a corporate setting is a lot different than in a comedy club. For success here, you must tread carefully. To that end, I offer you my five writing commandments for delivering humorous keynote speeches.

Published · 3,814 views · Rated 4.3/5 from 6 votes

Before the turn of the century breaking into the world of consulting and freelance work was a buyer's market, but that has changed. What changed this market were the corporate structures themselves. Corporations and even smaller companies decided that they could no longer maintain a large base of employees, and put freezes on head counts, while relying on layoffs to increase bottom lines. While this may have worked, the needs for skilled individuals did not diminish, and in fact, increased. • 10 percent of current workers and their spouses have had their traditionalr

Published · 1,929 views · Rated 4.8/5 from 4 votes

Striking out on our own can be liberating and a bit scary. I don't know of anyone who has taken a real jump and regretted it, but I haven't talked to everyone who has either. I have talked to several who wound up going back to the corporate cubicles, licking a few wounds, but they still didn't regret the leap. What do we need? On the whole you may find you need very little to start a home office, or even a small office. Most freelance and self-employment ventures are service based, rather than manufacturing or retail. You don't have to worry about a warehouse, or a workr

Published · 1,579 views · Rated 4.4/5 from 5 votes

Who are you if you have a book available for purchase? An expert? Someone successful? A smart marketer? All of the above. Reinventing yourself often requires a new life set of references. The doubts are out there. "Sure", the clients says (or worst, just thinks), you were successful as a project manager for IBM for the last 20 years.

Published · 2,411 views · Rated 3.9/5 from 9 votes

I've been studying and as a copywriter writing for the financial markets for quite a while now. Of course, I am not an expert, more than anything I come from school of hard knocks. So here are some aspects that you should think about when and if you want to take the prudent approach to financial planning. First off: If you are still thinking that financial planning is only for the rich ,you might just want to change your mind on that now.

Published · 1,604 views · Rated 4.4/5 from 5 votes

It would be nice to think that the companies on the leading edge of work/life balance programs are simply being good citizens and doing the right thing! But, the fact is that these programs make good business sense. In addition to increased productivity and employee satisfaction, companies can retain valuable employees in a competitive environment, and attract new employees with these programs.

Published · 1,677 views · Rated 4.4/5 from 5 votes

Persuasive public speaking is all about connecting with your audience. One of the quickest ways to heighten your audience connection is to use a theatre acting technique called 'Breaking the Fourth Wall. One of the reasons you go to the theatre is to be transported to a different time and place and experience something magical. Of course you know it's a play (orrna movie), you paid a ticket to see it, but once there you've suspended disbelief. Picture two characters on stage having a passionate argument.

Published · 3,561 views · Rated 4.3/5 from 6 votes

According to a poll take by MSNBC men and women were asked what personal qualities had the greatest impact on the success of their careers. Naturally, men and women differed when it came to the importance of intelligence, ability and 'looks.' (I know... what a surprise) BUT the one thing they did agree on was the importance of self-confidence. As you can imagine self confidence is of 'mucho' importance when it comes to speaking. I am sure you know that people judge and size you up in about five seconds when you first meet them.

Published · 3,690 views · Rated 4.1/5 from 7 votes

There is a major 'problemo' that a lot of speakers sometime fall into when using Power Point. I call it upstaging yourself. 'Upstaging' is a 'technique' that stage actors have been using 'against' each other since Greek times. It happens when one actor moves up the stage which in turn makes the other actor turn his back to the audience so he can continue the conversation with the other actor. Guess what happens? All the audience's eyes are focused on the 'other actor.' That's why stage actors get miffed and tell their brethren, 'Please don't EVERr

Published · 3,337 views · Rated 4.6/5 from 5 votes

There’s no doubt that speakers put a lot of time into developing the content for their speeches. Unfortunately, as you’re well aware of, because of sensory overload audiences will only be able to digest two to three points of your talk. (yes, they will channel surf when you speak) So your rule of thumb should be, “less is more.” But then how can you still give your adoring fans their money’s worth? Simple. If you’ve branded yourself as a speaker—then you should definitely brand your message.

Published · 2,909 views · Rated 4.2/5 from 13 votes

The beleaguered carpenter ran his hand over the wood the way a horse trainer stokes the back of the thoroughbred that he is about to take out for a run. In happier times this artisan was in high demand. Of course, this was before “the accident” that shocked the town. “No mistakes… not THIS time!” he chided himself. Not when you’ve had loan sharks bust your leg for not paying them on time. So the carpenter gently picked up the bevel--- like a mother lifts her child, and began to measure the straightness of the mahogany that he was about to sculpt.

Published · 4,067 views · Rated 4.8/5 from 5 votes

Think back to a time in your life when you had to learn a new skill. Were you able to perform that skill to complete perfection the very first time you tried it? My guess is no. Chances are you made a mistake. Maybe even a lot of mistakes. But, if you stuck with it, you gradually improved and now, you are probably quite proficient at that skill (or at least a lot better than you used to be!) You are reading this because you want to be a better presenter or public speaker. I will tell right now that it is not a one step process.

Published · 1,406 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

I know you don’t always have to get it right. What the heck does that mean, you don’t always have to get it right? It means just that; it is OK to sometimes not get it completely correct. Let me explain a little. How many times have you had a project where you were so conce ed about getting it exactly right that you snapped?

Published · 1,215 views

There is no doubt about it. You have a deeper, sexier speaking voice. Even if your voice is nasally, there is a remedy. All it takes is the knowledge of how to discover your true voice and some practice in making it a habit.

Published · 1,898 views

Do your presentations S.U.C.K.? If they don’t then you are not being as successful as you could be! “That is the most insane thing I have ever heard, please explain!” No, No, I don’t mean that your presentations should literally suck! S.U.C.K. is an incredibly simple to remember acronym for creating and delivering a successful presentation. You probably have never heard of this acronym before, and I know why! It’s because I just made it up! So, to make your presentations S.U.C.K. here’s what you need to do... S - Make your presentations Succinct.

Published · 1,416 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

One of the most common questions I hear from my clients when they are practicing their presentation skills, is what should they do with their hands? That is a good question, so let me answer that question with a question to you? What do you do with your hands when you are in conversation?

Published · 3,022 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Actors wow us, amaze us, and inspire us but one, in particular, displays a level of confidence that I would wish for all in public speaking. The actor I am referring to is Clint Eastwood. In all the roles he plays, he never doubts himself. It is that level of belief in yourself and your abilities which you need in order to wow, amaze, and inspire your audience. Fear of failure, fear of looking foolish, or fear of forgetting your material are the 3 main reasons many people approach the lecte with such trepidation. With that fear comes a lack of confidence that is formidable.

Published · 3,031 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

It is Saturday morning and I just received a phone call on my business line from a man who was doing a survey. The person he wanted to speak to had to be male and had to be over 21. [Thankfully, I was able to respond politely that I did not ‘fit the bill’ and proceeded to quickly end the call.

Published · 3,681 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

Recently I was working with one of my clients, describing how to add more color to her voice. Color is the emotion, the life, the animation one expresses in speaking. Her response to me was, “You want me to speak with more energy.” While I certainly want speakers to have an energetic delivery, I had never associated the idea of the expressing of emotion when talking as speaking with more energy. For Portia, this was the answer and it may be the answer for you as well.

Published · 2,206 views

One of the most important things you can do in public speaking is to make eye contact with your audience. Watching a clock on the wall, gazing above the heads of the audience, keeping your focus on your notes or a powerpoint presentation, or staring at just one person in the crowd is not making eye contact.

Published · 1,851 views

Admittedly, part of the difficulty for many in presenting is just this fear. It happens to lots of speakers; it has certainly happened to me. Even with notes or some form of visual aid upon which to refer, however, you may find yourself at a total loss as to how to continue. What is the answer? Total honesty.

Published · 2,479 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Nervousness is wonderful. In fact, I will take that one step further and tell you that nervousness is a blessing. How can it be a blessing, you ask? Because that rush of adrenaline can give you an edge. It can take your presentation to an entirely new level if you learn how to control it. Articles today talk about eliminating, stopping and ending your nervousness and I disagree. I want you nervous but I want you to learn how to take control of that nervousness. If you think the ‘greats’ in public speaking are not nervous, then you are wrong.

Published · 2,576 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

While I cannot take credit for the title of this article, those words have haunted me since I discovered them a few months ago in which the writer was discussing animating your PowerPoint presentations, certainly good advice. I was fascinated by those words because movement in public speaking is vital if you want to keep the attention of your audience on you.

Published · 2,671 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 2 votes

Speaking with expression, emotion, life, animation – whatever you call it – is one of your most important characteristics in delivering a dynamic presentation or speech. Just how colorful are you at the lecte ? If you would like to test your ‘color’ skills, record yourself reading the following nonsense paragraph and then play it back.

Published · 2,808 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

When it comes to public speaking, so much attention is given to the preparation and ensuing delivery of your material that the practice of your speech or presentation is often overlooked. I am amazed at how many people go over their script or their outline in their head and never say their words out loud. How can you possibly know how your presentation or speech will sound if you do not say your words OUT LOUD? How we write is not how we speak.

Published · 2,344 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

While some academics may argue that one’s content is more important than one’s delivery, I beg to differ. If one’s delivery is of lesser value than one’s content, why not copy the speech, pass it out, and then everyone can go home or back to work? Assuming your audience is there to hear you ...

Published · 5,352 views

Have you ever considered the sound of your speaking voice and what it says about you? Have you given any thought to the fact that your speaking voice could be holding you back from landing a particular job or getting that promotion? Take this scenario for example. There are two candidates ...

Published · 2,725 views

There is no doubt that excessive nasality can be most annoying for your listeners. Voices which possess excessive nasality sound like Fran Drescher, Don Johnson, and pro golfer, Jack Nicklaus. Of course, Fran Drescher has made a fortune on her sound which is akin to nails on a blackboard. If you are like most people, however, excessive nasality is indeed not an asset and could jeopardize your success, both professionally and personally.

Published · 2,642 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

What does your handshake say about you? Confident, diffident, overbearing, wimpy? Does the sound of your speaking voice match the grip of your handshake? In teaching voice improvement, I have found through the years that those whose speaking voices are weak or wimpy very often follow through ...

Published · 1,729 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Have you ever been to a business meeting in which all in attendance had to stand and introduce themselves and you heard basically the same thing from each and every individual? One of the worst things we do as a people is our personal introduction. While the names and the businesses will be ...

Published · 2,580 views

Through my many years teaching voice improvement and presentation skills, I have found some interesting correlations between personality types and the degree of expressiveness heard and seen in people. While I am about to be most ‘politically incorrect,’ those who tend to be more expressive in ...

Published · 4,846 views

One of the characteristics of dynamic public speakers is that they believe in themselves. We all know that public speaking is man’s greatest fear; however, if you approach the lecte doubting yourself, how successful do you think you will be? Believing you cannot do it is a recipe for ...

Published · 1,815 views

Because we as a people are losing our sense of decency, vulgarities are becoming the norm in our everyday life: we see it in people’s actions; we see it in the entertainment world; we hear it in conversation on a daily basis. So how do we judge what is appropriate in public speaking? The ...

Published · 4,899 views

When invited (or ordered!) to give a presentation or a speech, most of us think that what comes out of our mouth during that 5, 10, or 45 minute delivery is the ‘piece de resistence’ when in fact, without proper preparation, it may be a disaster. I liken good preparation to the 5 Ws of good ...

Published · 2,124 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

So, you’re looking for a deeper, sexier speaking voice but you’ve got a nasal twang. Does this mean that you’re stuck with a high-pitched voice? No. Is it possible to have a better sound? You bet! Most people are not speaking at their optimum pitch or within their optimum range. The result is a voice that tends to be higher in pitch than it should be because the sound is being forced from the throat and voice box.

Published · 2,337 views

It is simple, it is basic, it is fundamental, and, it is a necessity. It is something we do every day without a 2nd thought. At the lectern, however, it is something we do not allow to happen and yet it is something we cannot do without. It is called breathing. The 1st thing your body did at birth was to take a breath. And, it will be the last thing you do at death. In public speaking, it is something we never consider and is the one thing we are often lacking while addressing an audience.

Published · 2,877 views

My intention in my own life has been to move out of victimhood and into Mastery and through my work to help others to do the same. But before we can claim Mastery we must define it. It’s important to have a clear idea of what we are moving toward so that we may recognize it when we arrive. ...

Published · 1,118 views

It’s Just a StorynEFT, Hypnosis and a Change in Reality? If you’ve taken any of my workshops you have surely heard me say numerous times, “It’s just a story”. At first the statement can be confusing because we tend to take ourselves so seriously. And when I first ...

Published · 1,288 views

As if Self-Love isn’t hard enough as it is, it can become really muddled when we add our own children to the mix. Everyone has needs and demands and as a mother it can seem impossible to take care of our selves when we have so many other people and things to take care of. More often than not ...

Published · 1,405 views

The first time I had to introduce myself professionally was one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of my life. I remember sitting, waiting for my turn to stand and walk to the lecte amidst 150 members of the London, Canada Chamber of Commerce. At first I was relaxed until it dawned on me that my voice, my own personal introduction, was my business. And then I began to sweat!

Published · 3,186 views

I sometimes voice my opinion on a forum that deals with public speaking issues and it never fails to amaze me how few understand that the untrained speaking voice can be an absolute liability. When you are trying to deliver a presentation and are unable to control your speed, your breathing, your quiver, and/or the rise in the pitch of your voice, then your nervousness is in control and not you.

Published · 1,986 views

Two main quotes come to mind this morning as I contemplate the most prevalent dream that I had during my astral time last night. I paraphrase: “Nothing has meaning except the meaning we give it.” This, I believe is the first lesson in a Course in Miracles. Because my “stick-to-it-iveness” is ...

Published · 1,689 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

As I was enjoying a delightful lunch and excellent conversation with a lady friend of mine this afte oon she so eloquently joked that we have great conversation because “we’re flying at the same altitude” so to speak. It is wonderful when we click so well with someone that we can express ...

Published · 1,219 views

No matter what your phobia in addressing an audience, there is a reason that man’s greatest fear is public speaking: we don’t want to make a fool of ourselves. And, no matter how many courses or programs you take, no matter which techniques you use to control, eliminate, or ignore your ...

Published · 1,917 views

Nothing is more frustrating for your listeners then when they are unable to distinguish what you really mean by what your voice is or isn’t doing. Given the wrong tone, the wrong inflection, the wrong volume or a total lack of vocal variety and your voice could be saying one thing when you mean something else.

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Speaking too quickly is a problem not just for those of us who hail from one of the Mid-Atlantic States, it is a problem as well for many whose 1st language is not English. One of the fastest talkers I’ve encountered in the thousands with whom I have worked was a man from Portugal. But India and some of the Asian countries can also produce speed demons. Learning how to control your speed – notice I didn’t say speak slowly – should be your goal if you are being asked to repeat yourself a lot or your listeners’ eyes glaze over as they try to keep up with you.

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It’s not Personal, it’s Just Business We’ve heard this many times in business, or at least I have. I’ve never been too sure how one can separate “personal” and “business” or if we even should. One reaso I am an entrepreneur and probably the ...

Published · 2,438 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

The other day I watched an interesting documentary on military planes and the man describing the different parts of the plane ended every, single sentence on the up-swing. What this means is that the inflection he used with every statement sounded like a question. (Inflection refers to changes in pitch in speaking.) As he is an authority on the subject, my first reaction was that he did not sound like an expert in his field. Instead, he sounded like a Valley Girl.

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I am working with a woman who taught kindergarten for many years and is now in the process of changing her career. Susan would like to become a professional public speaker and consultant. Regarding her voice and presentation skills, her delivery is similar to that of a kindergarten teacher telling a story to a class of 5-year-olds with exaggerated facial expression, body language and vocal variety.

Published · 3,451 views

Recently I gave a presentation at a Summit Conference in New York City and was confronted with a very ‘tight’ audience. I was blessed, however, to have two women in the large ballroom who smiled throughout, nodding their heads in agreement with everything I said. The second blessing was that ...

Published · 1,647 views

In public speaking, the anecdotes you include in your presentation can say a lot about you as the speaker. Simply put, the anecdote is a very brief retelling of a true account which can be humorous or interesting, but more importantly, is relevant to your topic. The value of the anecdote is ...

Published · 3,251 views

One of the best courses I had in college was an English class on the 18th Century Novel. My professor assigned one book per week and would ask one question per book for which we were allowed to answer on only one typewritten, double-spaced page. The problem was that the question asked could be ...

Published · 3,209 views

One of the greatest problems for the novice in public speaking is nervousness which often results in lack of air. While nervousness should be one of your greatest benefits when addressing an audience, breathlessness is not. The problem with the latter is that it increases your stress which in turn increases your nervousness. Left unchecked, it can even cause panic. So how do you deal with both the vicious cycle? The answer is surprisingly simple yet most people are unaware of the solution.

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There is only one problem with being soft-spoken. It is that you are constantly being asked to repeat yourself. And, if it happens often enough, your listeners will stop listening or interrupt you and take over the conversation. Yes, your partner may not seem to be listening but have you ever considered that he or she cannot hear you? Or perhaps you never have a chance at work to finish your sentence because someone else takes over the conversation?

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Having read Jane Andrew’s article entitled Public Speaking is Acting, I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you why the best public speakers are not acting: they are communicating. Acting requires memorization of a script that has been marked by the actor; i.e., pause here, smile ...

Published · 2,150 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Some people can yell or talk non-stop all day and never experience hoarseness or sore throats; others cannot. Your voice is as individual to you as are your fingerprints: no two are alike. They may be similar but not exact. In that sense, your vocal apparatus is also unique. For 60 years, ...

Published · 1,742 views

We have been given a lot of information lately about manifesting and the Law of Attraction. We have learned that our thoughts coupled with our emotions create our reality. We’re all trying to be positive and imagine what we want and not what we don’t want. However in my work with many clients ...

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The Missing Nuances of Visualizing This is the second in the series of articles about the missing nuances in manifesting. If you want to truly master the art of manifestation you must include some subtle details that I have noticed are missing from many courses and teachings about the law of ...

Published · 1,516 views

All the talk about eliminating your nervousness, putting a stop to nervousness, or defeating your nervousness, misses the boat on one basic fundamental: nervousness is a bonus. It can give you an edge that is an asset if you learn how to control it. Early in my career, one of my clients ...

Published · 2,294 views

Does your voice ‘shake, rattle and roll’ when you stand to introduce yourself or address an audience at the lecte or the boardroom table? When I started my voice improvement business back in 1989, I joined the local chamber of commerce and attended a new members’ orientation. The room was ...

Published · 2,075 views

Through my many years of speaking, teaching and training, I have found that by concentrating on the moment you can move ‘above’ the stress that you may be experiencing at a given time and deliver a dynamic speech or presentation. Most actors, musicians, athletes and public speakers as well are ...

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They say that man’s greatest fear is public speaking and that his second greatest fear is dying. According to Jerry Seinfield that means, "that most people at a funeral would rather be in the coffin than give the eulogy!" To my knowledge no one has died from public speaking. Your hands may ...

Published · 2,677 views

When people ask you to repeat yourself, do you think that you have been speaking loudly enough? Do you often get interrupted when you are talking? Do you feel that no one is listening to you? If you are soft-spoken, I’m sure that I just hit a nerve. You are being talked over or interrupted ...

Published · 2,752 views

Have you ever listened to a speaker who used so many ahs or ums that you started counting them? When that happens, you then lose the ability to concentrate on what the speaker is saying. Suffice it to say that the ums or ahs become the message. Um, ah, uh and you know are verbal tics ...

Published · 2,373 views

There is a lot of information on the internet today about eliminating your nervousness in public speaking. I suggest learning how to control it instead, allowing your nervousness to work for you and not against you which can take your delivery to new heights. What I offer is not a tip or a ...

Published · 1,869 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

From an audience perspective, there is nothing more boring than listening to somebody drone on and on, using correct but unexciting language and ruining what might otherwise have been an interesting subject. And there is nothing more mind numbing than having to listen to somebody drone on and on and whether or not they try to make their talk lively and interesting, (we’re still not quite sure what on earth they’re talking about or what point they’re trying to make.)

Published · 1,715 views · Rated 4.3/5 from 6 votes

For many people, selling is still a dirty word, conjuring up images of deceitful used car salespeople selling shonky vehicles or struggling door-to-door salespeople selling encyclopedias and getting doors slammed in their faces. Know this: You do not need to be embarrassed about selling your products. All the famous speakers do it, and even the not so famous. It’s not just about making a profit. Selling product at your speaking engagements is what helps spread your name.

Published · 5,373 views · Rated 3.6/5 from 14 votes

"This is the way the world ends, Not with a bang but a whimper!"rn~ T.S. Eliot WARNING: When it comes to ending your speech, the last thing you want to do is go out with a whimper! In speaking it's important how you start and especially how you finish. Let's look at this scenario: Let's assume; God willing, you haven made the mistake of talking too long and wearing out your welcome and you're ready to finish.

Published · 8,666 views · Rated 4/5 from 11 votes

Speakers and writers share one thing in common – they’re both susceptible to mind blocks. This is where your mind goes blank and you can’t think of anything new to write and speak about. You feel like you’re facing a blank wall; your creativity has left you. You’ve covered everything you know about and you don’t know what to do next. You’ve run out of ideas. YIKES! You are without inspiration. You are full of exasperation. You may even start to indulge in some procrastination!

Published · 2,829 views · Rated 4.2/5 from 5 votes

If you've been practicing a script in your head trying to get the words perfect, it might be time to redefine practice. When I first started giving presentations, I was so nervous I had to memorize every single line. It was a lot of work. Even with all that preparation, there was a good chance ...

Published · 1,429 views · Rated 3.7/5 from 3 votes

One of the secrets for becoming a dynamic public speaker is to make eye contact with your audience. While there are some courses on presentation skills or public speaking that teach you to stare at an object on the wall in order to eliminate your nervousness, I couldn’t disagree more. Forget ...

Published · 2,507 views

I am amazed at the number of people who confide in me that their fear of speaking at a lecte or even at the head of a boardroom table is jeopardizing their career advancement. This is so unfortunate because their fear is control of them instead of the other way around. Everyone is nervous in public speaking – or should be. Personally, I want you nervous because it makes you more alert and more focused. The secret, however, lies in harnessing that nervousness and putting it to good use.

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When it comes to public speaking, those who have the most difficulty permitting themselves to deliver a dynamic presentation are those of the Type A personality. Characterized by an intense drive for perfection, the Type A individual does not allow for mistakes. And, that is the crux of the ...

Published · 2,927 views

In teaching public speaking, I find that many of my clients, as well as my students, stand at the lecte or on the podium and try to be someone or something they are not. The result is a forced delivery that does not sound natural. The best in the business – and not necessarily the most ...

Published · 2,132 views

One of the most common complaints I hear from my clients is that they run out of air in public speaking. And, not surprisingly, breathlessness at the lecte often goes hand in hand with nervousness. Let’s look at the picture in its entirety. Nervousness does not cause breathlessness. It ...

Published · 1,925 views

Nothing! Forgiveness is very important in order for us to Master our lives. But it’s not the kind of forgiveness that you might think. Most people believe that forgiveness means to accept that wrong was done to us and that the person who did wrong just didn’t understand, or was stupid or ...

Published · 1,228 views

While you may be giving presentations in your business or your public speaking career, there are times in which you may be called upon to give an actual speech and not a presentation. One of the differences between the speech and the presentation is that the former should be read and the latter should be spoken. So how do you read a speech effectively and not sound like you are reading it?

Published · 4,648 views

Are you plagued by a voice that cracks, quivers or just isn’t there when you need it? Often occurring at the most inopportune times, all three problems are usually caused by stress on the vocal folds (cords). Because your vocal folds are an organ, it is important to treat them well; and, ...

Published · 2,684 views

With the wealth of information available at our fingertips, it is interesting to note how little is said about our most valuable asset or ‘commodity’ in public speaking. We are so consumed with learning the best means of creating and delivering our material that our focus often ignores our ...

Published · 1,686 views

No matter how long you have been speaking there are still lessons to be learned and I learned a huge one earlier this month in the province of Manitoba. I was booked to do two, one hour presentations to the Eastern Manitoba Dairy Farmers annual conference in the beautiful little town of ...

Published · 1,669 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

As Neil Diamond sang in his song Song Sung Blue “ Me and you are subject to the blues now and then...” Awe the blues!! Those feelings of joylessness, hopelessness, and blahness. They usually occur after a happy event, on the occurrence of something sad or simply for no other reason than it’s ...

Published · 1,737 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

If you are looking to improve your speaking voice, your first priority is to find a coach who will teach you how to breathe with the support of your diaphragm. Breathing with this support is something most people are not doing. In fact, 99% of the population is renowned for being lazy or shallow breathers. When you breathe in that manner, you are using only the upper portion of your lungs for your air intake.

Published · 3,194 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 2 votes

Of all the marketing methods I employ to get the word out about my speaking service and my information products the method I enjoy most involves being interviewed on radio stations throughout North America. The reason they are so enjoyable? They can be done from home over the phone while ...

Published · 2,192 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Some people enjoy drawing attention to themselves by trying to trip you up on a fact or statistic during your presentation. A few will find something you say threatening to their secure view of the universe and want you to know that “ You are dead wrong!!” When this happens it is important to ...

Published · 1,974 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Open Door Policy? Open Mind Policy? By Mike Moorenn I was giving a presentation on “ the Value of Recognition” to the office workers of a large Canadian City. The City Commissioner ended his welcome to those present with these words, “ I have an open door policy so I want to encourage you ...

Published · 1,866 views

I recently met a middle aged woman who had been a manager in a large international company for over 25 years. In all that time she has received positive evaluations and performance assessments from her supervisors. Carol loved her job and worked long hours, seldom missed work due to illness ...

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If you're like most people having a colonoscopy might be a more pleasurable activity than giving a public speech. However, this activity will rapidly become one of your favorites when you let it give your career the huge boost it has given mine. If you're an author, consultant, trainer, life coach, small business owner, or any client based business owner--- you know better than anyone that the success of your company will hinge on how you market and get your branded message out to your targeted audience.

Published · 1,931 views · Rated 3/5 from 7 votes

It seem that the only time people are open to change is when what they have always done no longer works for them. In other words when our needs are no longer being met by previous ...

Published · 15,194 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

While much talk is given about the delivery of the speech or presentation and the controlling of nervousness, often what is lacking is how to begin the creation of your material. Where do you start? Let’s assume that you have your topic. Your 1st step is to select your general purpose which is either to inform or to persuade. (The 3rd option is to entertain; however, that is an article in itself.)

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Absolutely Not! I recently read a quip from a man on a public speaking social media website who is working with a voice coach. He said that “her normal talking voice in a one on one situation is massively different to her ‘performance’ speaking voice.”

Published · 1,740 views

A Better Voice is Just a Breath Away The number of people looking for information, books, CDs, and seminars on self-improvement is staggering. Ever conce ed with honing our business skills, improving the image we project, feeling good about ourselves, juggling jobs and family…we are all on ...

Published · 6,367 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Many people suffer from chronic hoarseness, sore throats and even loss of voice; and, most of these people do so because of misuse of the speaking voice. It is common; it is world wide; and, it is a growing concern. Through the years that I’ve had a website on voice improvement, 40% of those ...

Published · 2,459 views

You’ve been invited to speak or perhaps your boss has ‘requested’ you speak. Whatever your reason for speaking, if you are like most people, nervousness takes over as you begin the process of anxiously awaiting the date. Hopefully, you create your speech or presentation well in advance and practice it out loud over and over and over again. What is important to understand in this process is that you need to focus on what you have to offer your listeners. Why will they be in attendance and what need of theirs can you satisfy?

Published · 3,537 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Ever wonder why the best in the business are so successful when addressing an audience? Is it their message? How about their delivery? In truth, it is both of these components. While you may have an excellent message, without a dynamic delivery, your message will not be heard. Likewise, you may regale your audience with color and passion as you speak, but if your words have no value, your message is non-existent. Successful public speaking needs a strong delivery as well as a strong message – a message tailored to satisfy the needs of your listeners.

Published · 2,063 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Do you know what it means to paint a picture with your voice? Sean Connery can do it and so can Kevin Spacey. Kathleen Turner can do it as well as Diane Sawyer. And, in the world of public speaking, no one does it better tha Zig Ziglar. When Kevin Spacey does the car commercials, you can see the car in your mind just from the way his voice describes it. Likewise, when Diane Sawyer gives the news, you can picture what she is saying just from the way she says it. And when Zig Ziglar recounts an anecdote, you can see every detail of his story.

Published · 2,879 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

As A voice specialist, I teach people not only how to improve the sound of the speaking voice but also how to be a dynamic public speaker. Below are listed the 5 most important things you should do that will allow you to control your nervousness as well as deliver a dynamic presentation. ...As A voice specialist, I teach people not only how to improve the sound of the speaking voice but also how to be a dynamic public speaker. Below are listed the 5 most important things you should do that will allow you to control your nervousness as well as deliver a dynamic presentation.

Published · 12,820 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Unless you are scheduled to speak at 7 in the morning, I would suggest not warming up the speaking voice. Since you use your speaking voice throughout your day, my question is ‘What is there to warm up?’ The speaking voice is not like the singing voice where you will be using several octaves, possibly singing very high or very low in pitch. In that sense, warming up the singing voice is a must.

Published · 2,100 views

Do you find that others have difficulty taking you seriously because you sound like a 12 year-old or worse still, an 8-year-old? Yes, ladies, I am talking about answering the phone and the caller asks to speak to your mother!

Published · 3,104 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

Have you ever wondered why some people are incredibly successful while others are just squeaking by? Why for some, everything they touch seems to turn to gold while for others it falls apart? The bottom line is that we all have the same opportunities at success. What gets in the way is our ...

Published · 1,939 views

We’ve all seen – and given – poor presentations. It’s inevitable if we are involved in speaking on even a somewhat regular basis. What is avoidable, however, are the five worst mistakes that presenters make that doom their talks to being anxiety-ridden, boring, forgettable time-wasters. From my ...

Published · 3,130 views

The Harvard Business Review revealed two staggering statistics in a recent study: 1. 56% of executives consider their sales forces “average, worse than normal or catastrophic” 2. 85% of salespeople wish they were doing something else This poor performance and dissatisfaction comes from one ...

Published · 994 views

Through my many years teaching voice and presentation skills, I have found that those who experience truly debilitating, gut-wrenching fear of public speaking have had a bad experience sometime during their elementary or even middle school years when they’ve been required to stand and speak. ...

Published · 1,913 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

One of the best tools for improving your presentation skills is to video-record yourself as a means of practice. While you may think this is a bit extreme, it really isn’t: you will learn so much by watching yourself on video. A lot of people are recorded during their presentation, but ...

Published · 2,033 views

All the buzz is about manifesting these days. But what many who are new to the metaphysical scene don’t realize that manifesting is more than just acquiring stuff. Not that acquiring stuff is necessarily bad. But in the end if that’s your only aim then the emptiness that your were trying to ...

Published · 3,255 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

While the value of making eye contact with your audience is one of the most important things you can do in public speaking, it doesn’t mean that you should begin this process after you begin your delivery. It starts before you open your mouth to speak and is part of the confident posture you assume in your walk.

Published · 5,166 views

The one characteristic that all great public speakers possess is passion – intense, driving emotion that colors their speech, their facial expression and their body language. You hear it in their words; you see it in their actions; and, you can feel it in your soul. Their passion can motivate you to bettering your life in some fashion.

Published · 2,939 views

In May 2006 the journal Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy published a research study that proves there is a way to permanently eliminate the fear of public speaking. This research paper described how 36 people who had a fear of public speaking were divided into two groups to test the effectiveness of a fear elimination procedure called The Lefkoe Method. One group was exposed to The Lefkoe Method. The other group went to Toastmasters meetings. After a few hours of exposure to The Lefkoe Method the first group spoke in public and each member of that group reported that th

Published · 4,419 views

It is sad that Mariano Rivera underwent surgery on his vocal folds (cords) recently. The Yankees’ closer was diagnosed with severe vocal abuse in which polyps had developed on his vocal folds. A month prior to his surgery, he noticed a decrease in his ability to speak which was characterized by a raspy, whispery quality. What is interesting is that, with the right training, he could have prevented it.

Published · 2,459 views

When I hear a raspy, gravelly, hoarse voice, I know what the problem is. It is called vocal abuse; and, I also know that it will not get any better on its own unless the speaker changes how he or she produces voiced sound. Those who suffer from chronic hoarseness, a persistent sore throat or even loss of voice are often fans rooting for their favorite teams. It is not just happening to those in the stands at professional sports games or those watching on television. It can also happen when we attend our children's football, baseball, soccer and/or hockey games

Published · 2,446 views

One of the secrets of dynamic presentation skills is the ability to connect with your audience. In that sense, the idea is to make each person think you are talking directly to him/her. How is this possible if you have an audience of 50, 150 or 500 people? There are several things you can do to achieve the connection.

Published · 2,253 views

One of the most important skills you need in public speaking is the ability to believe in yourself; otherwise, why should your audience? Many people approach the lecte or the head of the boardroom table, thinking they are going to fail. If that is your approach, then your chances of success are greatly reduced. Believing in yourself requires only one prerequisite – knowing your material inside and out. This is often a problem, however, for the novice speaker. If your lack of preparation is due to your fear, then your prediction of failure will become a reality.

Published · 2,417 views

In today’s fast-paced business world, speaking in a soft-spoken voice is definitely not to your advantage: you need to be heard the 1st time you say it. While softer levels of volume may be culturally correct in some countries, here in the States, we tend to talk in a volume that is comfortably heard by all in the same room.

Published · 2,533 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

If you are soft-spoken, there is a right way and a wrong way to increase your volume. Just speaking 'louder' is not the answer. In fact, the difficulty for those who speak softly is that when they do try to increase their volume, they think that they are shouting. As a voice coach, I don’t teach people to speak loudly; I teach them to speak with a bigger voice. There is a big difference between the two. Loud hurts your throat and your listeners’ ears. A big voice is more volume but it is neither ‘painful’ for you or your listeners if it is produced properly.

Published · 2,462 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

As a voice coach, the first thing I teach my clients is how to breathe with the support of the diaphragm. The reason is because you cannot discover your ‘real’ voice until you learn this simple technique.

Published · 2,543 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

When addressing an audience, there is nothing more embarrassing than opening your mouth to speak and the voice that comes out is high in pitch and shaking to boot! The shaking is known as a quiver and it can happen even when you’re not nervous. If your voice is quivering when you’re nervous, rest assured that you are not alone. It happens to a lot of people and it is the result of poor voice placement exacerbated by your nervousness.

Published · 7,980 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

I recently heard a 'public speaker' who was marketing himself as one who had made a lot of money from a book he had written. I caught this on video on the internet and counted my blessings that I hadn't been in the audience, especially in the front row!

Published · 1,882 views

Acting and public speaking have only two things in common: both need an audience and both involve words coming out of your mouth. That is where the similarities end however. Actors who teach public speaking often disagree with me on this point because they fail to recognize that public speaking is the art of communicating with an audience whereas acting is a means of entertaining an audience.

Published · 5,629 views

Without a doubt, age is a factor in establishing credibility with an audience. I am sure that many people think that if you are older and being paid to address an audience, you must have something valuable to say. But what about novice speakers? How do these individuals, who may still be in their 20’s, get the opportunity to speak when no one knows who are they are?

Published · 1,714 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Color refers to the life, the emotion, the animation you express in speaking. Whether it is for the purposes of public speaking, a sales presentation or just in normal conversation, those who speak with color are more dynamic than those who do not. In fact, those who do not are called boring. When it comes to public speaking, there is no doubt that one of the best ways to lose your audience’s attention is to: 1. stand perfectly still with nary a muscle moving, 2. speak in a monotone, and 3. stare at something on the back wall.

Published · 2,101 views

There is a big difference between moving on stage and pacing; and, I am a huge advocate of the former. The latter, however, is something you must stop if you want your audience to pay attention to your words.

Published · 2,073 views

Yes, we are a sex very conce ed with the image we project. We exercise on a regular basis; we are more aware of the foods we are eating; we try to get a good night’s sleep. As women, we want to look good; and, as we age, we know it takes more work. Our clothing is of the latest fashion; we moisturize and wear makeup; and, our hair must make a statement as well.

Published · 3,138 views · Rated 2.8/5 from 4 votes

It never ceases to amaze me how many people yell or shout doing great damage to their throats and vocal folds. In addition, a voice produced by yelling hurts your listeners’ ears. There is a technique, however, which saves both your throat and everyone else’s ears. It is called projection.

Published · 4,890 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 2 votes

Are you conce ed with the image you project? If you are like most people, your answer is probably ‘Yes.’ When you hear yourself on your voicemail, answering machine, or some other type of recording equipment, can you appreciate that that sound is part of the image you are projecting?

Published · 3,009 views · Rated 2.8/5 from 4 votes

Whatever your reason for standing in front of an audience, it is important to identify your objective before you even outline your material. What is your primary goal? Are you being requested by your boss to give a report on your latest sales presentation? Are you taking a course in public speaking and it is your turn to deliver a speech? Maybe you are interested in pursuing public speaking as a career.

Published · 4,030 views

While you can’t go very far in public speaking if you do not know your material well – and that means inside and out – what will capture your audience is your delivery. A colorful, dynamic delivery determines whether your audience will pay attention to you or not. That is not to say that your words, your actual material, are not important. They are. Many people are aware that a dynamic delivery sells. My question for you, however, is whether you should speak from head or from your heart?

Published · 2,935 views

We tend to think that the creation of our speech or presentation and its delivery are the two most important considerations in public speaking. In truth, what you do before you even set pen to paper can have a tremendous effect on the outcome of your material. Imagine that someone has gotten in touch with you and asked you to speak to their company, their firm, their organization or club, their university, or possibly at a convention or expo. Perhaps you are toasting a bride, giving a eulogy or delivering a graduation speech.

Published · 2,776 views

Many years ago when I was fresh out of graduate school, I applied for my first 'real' job in New York City at G. Schirmer, the largest publisher of classical sheet music in the States. What I didn't know then was that my speaking voice was my greatest asset in attaining employment with that firm. I sounded confident; I sounded like I knew what I was talking about; and, I was only 24 years old.

Published · 2,926 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

I love all the articles and advice on the internet today which deal with quelling nervousness, combating nervousness, eliminating nervousness and ending those nervous jitters. Unfortunately, most of them do not discuss the benefits of nervousness in public speaking or in the job interview and why it should be your best friend and not your worst nightmare!

Published · 3,400 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 6 votes

Gosh, that sounds depressing, doesn’t it? It needn’t be however. Yes, your voice ages just like the rest of your body does. The good news for the voice, however, is that you can not only eliminate the discomfort or hoarseness you are experiencing but you can also find your voice improving with age. It is happening to me as well as my clients.

Published · 2,725 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

It fascinates me how many people are seeking help in public speaking and presentation skills yet how few realize that their speaking voice is the vehicle for their message. Voice training is not just for actors and politicians. It is something you should strongly consider if you are looking to get on the public speaking circuit.

Published · 2,196 views

Imagine that there are number of candidates for a particular job and all of the candidates have similar education and experience. Without a doubt, the choice is going to be difficult. Now let’s imagine that of all who are applying for the position, one candidate in particular has strong communication skills. Who do you think will get the job? Naturally, the individual who has good communication skills will be the winner in this situation. How good are your presentation/communication skills? Do you sound as dynamic as you look? Do you sound as impressive as your resume may look?

Published · 2,836 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 2 votes

While the after-dinner speech is as old as mankind, this type of oratory became most popular in England in the early 1900’s. Although its purpose was originally intended to be a light-hearted speech after the evening meal, the after-dinner speech today is often given after a business lunch or even after a breakfast meeting.

Published · 3,472 views

Of all the various types of speeches and presentations we hear, that which stirs the most emotion, that which expresses the most passion, is the commemorative speech. For the sole purpose of paying tribute, the commemorative speech is dedicated to people, places, institutions, or ideas.

Published · 2,099 views

When I first started my business, I had no idea the number of benefits that would result just by finding your ‘real’ voice. In fact, I never tire of hearing each and every new experience my clients tell me about. How can this type of training improve your life? For one very basic and fundamental reason: if you want to discover your ‘real’ voice – which is the one you would power by means of your chest cavity instead of your throat – you must learn to breathe with the support of your diaphragm. It is this breathing that makes all the difference.

Published · 2,770 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

I did damage to my own speaking voice some years ago when I was coaching my son’s soccer team. I will pay for that mistake for the rest of my life because I will never sing again. Considering my voice is my business, I am blessed that it did not do the same damage to my speaking voice.

Published · 3,177 views · Rated 4.5/5 from 2 votes

You can do it. You can end a vocal delivery that is flat, insipid, and lackluster. But first you will have to give yourself permission to do so. This does seem like a strange suggestion, doesn’t it? If you speak in a monotone, however, you probably keep your emotions bottled up inside of you which is why you must permit yourself to let your emotions be seen, be felt and be heard. While you may not like this suggestion, nothing will change until that permission is granted.

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When I first began teaching voice improvement many years ago, I was unaware that once you began using your chest to power or amplify the voice, your volume would normalize on its own. It was quite an 'ear-opening' discovery for me because so many other voice teachers or coaches were providing exercises specifically designed for increasing volume or decreasing it.

Published · 3,962 views

The search for good public speaking or presentation skills is on the rise. People want to know how to improve or hone their abilities to address an audience. One thing that is often overlooked, however, is training for the speaking voice. When you hear yourself on an answering machine, voicemail or some other form of recording, do you like what you hear? Indeed, if you are like most people, your answer is probably No.

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Recently, I worked with an NFL player in voice and presentation skills. During his 3rd session, he discovered the techniques for increasing his volume without shouting which I refer to as projection. He was stunned. It did not hurt his throat; it sounded better; and, his voice carried with more depth and breadth.

Published · 3,096 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

With all the articles about public speaking, few ever talk about knowing your competition. If you are a novice and planning a career at the lectern, part of your homework is to listen to as many speakers as you can and get to meet them in the process if at all possible. Words cannot say how valuable this can be for your future and is one of the great public speaking tips that you would be wise to heed. There are 3 reasons why you should take this advice.

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There is a commercial in which an announcer is looking for a speaker who has a big voice. What is unnerving about this commercial is that the terminology regarding the voice is wrong. As the commercial plays, you hear someone saying the lines in a progressively deeper voice. So what is the difference? A big voice refers to volume. A deep voice refers to the pitch of the voice – not to be confused with volume. Vin Diesel has a deep voice which also happens to be big.

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I had an interesting experience recently when I had new photos taken. One of the shots showed my shoulders drawn in – not back and straight. Whether I had liked the smile on my face or not was irrelevant, because the position of my shoulders did not speak of confidence which is something I teach in my own business.

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Recently I held a 2-Day Voice & Presentation Skills Workshop in which one of the attendees, named Mohammad, was quite soft-spoken. He came to the seminar not just to work on his presentation skills, but more specifically to learn how to speak in a normal volume of sound. Notice I said normal.

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There is a lot of debate right now at a popular social media site whether there is a difference between the speech and the presentation. In truth, the answer might depend on what country you live in. Here in the States, we look at the speech as something that is probably ‘written’ out. Whether it is given word-for-word is another issue. Eulogies, toasts at weddings, sermons, graduation speeches, the State of the Union Address, and all those speeches we are hearing in the political scene are formal deliveries in which the speaker is most likely standing at a lectern.

Published · 3,121 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Do you think that the sound of your speaking voice effects how others perceive you? If the voice you hear on your voicemail or some other form of recording equipment has any of the above traits, then the image you are projecting is quite possibly that you are characteristic of those ‘qualities,’ especially over the phone where there is no visual for comparison.

Published · 4,393 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

Have you ever considered the image that your speaking voice is projecting? By the way, I am not talking about the voice you hear in your head – I am talking about the one you hear on your voicemail or some other form of recording equipment. I am also not talking about the words that come out of your mouth. I am talking about sound, the actual quality of your voice.

Published · 3,665 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

When I attended James Malinchak’s BootCamp a few months ago, one of many things he did to grab our attention was to ‘cast the net’ during the introduction. Those are his words. His introductory material was designed to bring the audience into the fold and immediately build a rapport with us. And, there is no doubt that it worked. - When you create your introduction, do you consider your audience in your opening remarks? - Do you tailor your material around their needs as you ‘cast the net’ to become more intimate with them?

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One of the most common complaints I hear from novice public speakers is lack of air while public speaking. It doesn’t matter whether you are delivering a speech, giving a presentation, or introducing the next speaker. It also doesn’t matter how long or how short your talk. Lack of air in public speaking is a huge problem that can be rectified immediately if you learn to do one thing and implement it in your next talk. - Pause and take a supplemental breath before you run out of air – not afterwards.

Published · 3,913 views

Whenever I hold a 2-day workshop, my clients do a ‘before & after’ video which is not only eye-opening but most definitely ear-opening as well. What is striking is the decrease in nasality no matter the background, the language or the culture of the individual. This change occurs because of a change in voice placement. Most people use 4 of their 5 resonators to produce voiced sound; and, of those 4 resonators, the 2 most heavily used are the throat (pharynx) and the voice box (larynx.) The other 2 resonators include the mouth and the nose.

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Yes, your education is important; yes, your experience is important; and, most definitely, your attitude is important in landing a job in today’s questionable job market. Have you ever taken into consideration, what your presentation skills are saying about you however?

Published · 2,449 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

I hear it on a daily basis. People complaining to me that they are constantly hoarse, have a persistent sore throat, or lose their voice by the end of the day. The one I just read about is a young man who wants to speak louder in the clubs without hurting his throat. Unfortunately, vocal abuse is a real and growing problem for people who use their voice heavily throughout the day or who are in loud environments and resort to shouting to be heard. The result is often damage to the vocal folds (cords) which may be permanent if it happens often enough.

Published · 2,348 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 4 votes

I recently watched a brief video of a woman who was entering a public speaking content and was looking for feedback from other speakers. Her ‘performance’ looked rehearsed, static and flat, lacking in enthusiasm and passion. And, my remarks were just that. What this woman failed to recognize is that great public speakers grab their audience with their opening remarks, inspire, educate, and/or motivate them throughout the delivery and leave their listeners with a closing that calls them to action in some form.

Published · 2,173 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

The other day I received an email from a young man who told me that he was getting a sore throat by speaking loudly at the clubs and wondered if my training dealt with volume. I had to smile when he said that he had read several books on voice and none of them talked about how to increase or decrease the amount of sound you use. They also didn’t discuss projection which involves speaking in a bigger voice without shouting or yelling.

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What I have found with the various groups I have addressed through the years, whether it is a business versus an organization or a club, is that the there are two groups of people who are very good at listening. Their job or the purpose of their organization almost guarantees that they have strong listening skills. By and large, I have found the two best audiences to be Toastmasters and teachers, both of whom can be easily explained. 1.Teachers enjoy teaching and they also enjoy learning. They pay attention and always ask questions afterwards.

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A problem you may have in public speaking is how to move effectively and what to do with your hands. There are no absolutes in being expressive in your delivery aside from exhibiting no expression, the latter of which is boring and most certainly the fastest way to put your audience to sleep.

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Many years ago when I first started my business, my husband commented on the ‘before & after’ video clips of my clients, remarking that he could understand everyone in the ‘after’ takes but none of the speakers in the ‘before’ takes. All the speakers were Canadians in which English was their first language. What my husband, Alexis, was noticing was the clarity of their speech in the ‘after’ videos.

Published · 2,543 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

When you are asked, requested, or invited to speak, whether it is for your company, a business organization, a leads club, or some type of conference, how familiar are you with your audience and their needs? As much as you may want to deliver a stellar presentation, if you do not know to whom you are speaking, then you may be wasting their time and yours.

Published · 2,053 views · Rated 5/5 from 2 votes

If you are like most people, you probably don't like hearing yourself on your voicemail or answering machine. Did you know, however, that what you hear on any type of recording equipment is exactly how everyone else recognizes you? Your inner ear, the means by which you hear your own voice inside your head, is unable to distinguish how you really sound because of distortion. Essentially, your voice is vibrating in the solid and liquid of your brain and is telling you that you sound a lot better than you really do.

Published · 2,774 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

If you have been told that you speak in a monotone or if you have heard yourself on a recording and find your voice lacking in expression, it is time to do something about it. This is important for reasons both personal and professional. Boring doesn't sell; boring isn't interesting; and boring puts your listeners to sleep.

Published · 2,197 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 4 votes

That’s a leading question, isn’t it? With teleseminars there is definitely no visual and with webinars, there may be a picture of you, but more than likely, your listeners will be focusing on the visuals; i.e. slides, videos, or webpages as well as the sound of your speaking voice. And, the sound of your speaking voice is what you are hearing through your headphones and not the familiar voice you hear in your head.

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Recently I was interviewed on a blog radio program and the host paused so long after every comment I made that I wondered how many listeners she really had. Yes, the internet station of which she is a member has an excellent listenership, but I seriously question whether this particular woman has any real following.

Published · 2,424 views

Yes, we take professional development courses of all shapes and sizes. And, there is no doubt that in today’s business world, having an edge over the other candidates for a job or a promotion or even a sales contract can bring the success you are seeking. Have you ever considered, however, the sound of your speaking voice and what it says about you?

Published · 1,997 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

I am ever amazed at the number of people in public speaking who never give any consideration to their speaking voice. Conce ed about their physical image, their content, and their delivery skills, they have yet to realize that the vehicle for transmitting their message is the voice. And, it is not the one they hear inside their head; it is the one they hear on their voicemail.

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One of the reasons people contact me is because of lack of air at the podium, in the webinar, or in a sales presentation. So I have a question for you. - Do you ever experience breathlessness when in conversation with family, friends or colleagues? More than likely, your answer is No unless you are very excited. So what is happening in public speaking that causes you to gasp for air and always feel like you are running on empty? There are three possibilities. 1. You are nervous. Nervousness can sap your oxygen.r

Published · 3,416 views

When I first started my business some years ago, I was told that, “insurance people think they’re perfect but realtors know it.” While this was an interesting tidbit I stored away for future reference, I have found that audiences vary far beyond those in the insurance or real estate business. The one commonality I have seen is that, in general, women make a better audience than men. There are a few answers for this that all have to do with the fact that the female sex is still not the same as the male sex even if college courses today try to tell us differently.

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When you have a job at hand, is your goal to do it perfectly or to the best of your ability? Be honest with yourself in answering that question because, in public speaking, it could mean the difference between a dynamic presentation and one that is so-so.

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There is no question that excessive nasality, also known as hype asality, can be like nails on a blackboard. Just listen to Fran Drescher for any great length of time and you may find that her whiny, nasal sound becomes quite annoying.

Published · 3,543 views · Rated 2.8/5 from 4 votes

In public speaking or any other type of live performance, the idea of trying to get rid of your nervousness is definitely not the right approach. Nervousness is that wonderful rush of adrenaline that can make you sharper, more alert and more focused. In fact, the benefits of nervousness are so powerful that trying to eliminate it is a huge mistake. - If you’re not nervous, then you lose that wonderful edge.

Published · 3,099 views · Rated 5/5 from 2 votes

To yell or shout is offensive to your listeners’ ears and can be offensive to your throat and vocal folds (cords) as well. Over time, continual yelling can do untold damage to both your pharynx and larynx. So what is the answer when you need to increase your volume? Learn how to speak with more power without pushing the sound from your throat. It is called projection. Powered by your chest cavity, projection stops vocal abuse. And, it comes in very handy if you do any of the following on a regular basis: - root for your favorite sports team;r

Published · 2,367 views · Rated 2.7/5 from 3 votes

I hear it all the time: women phoning me and complaining that their voice sounds like that of a child. If you have this problem, then the image you are projecting is not one of confidence or maturity. The good news is that you have a better voice inside of you which is resonant and more mature in sound. I found mine when I was in graduate school and it landed me the jobs I wanted in New York City as well as jobs I wasn’t seeking.

Published · 2,429 views · Rated 2.7/5 from 6 votes

When I first started my speaking career I had to fight constantly the urge to tell my audience everything I knew on the subject at hand within the one hour assigned to me. After the contract had been signed and the topic defined the conflict began. What content should I include? Which stories should I tell? What humorous anecdotes should I select? My answer to these questions was always, Why not tell them everything you know?

Published · 4,032 views · Rated 4/5 from 8 votes

Humor has long been considered one of the most effective tools to judge the quality of any relationship. If there is laughter present you can assume that the relationship is a healthy one. When the laughter ceases you can be quite certain that the relationship is on the down slide. This ...

Published · 2,825 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

TEN TERRIFIC SELF- MOTIVATING TIPS By Mike Moore No one can motivate anyone to do anything. All a person can do for another is provide them with incentives to motivate themselves. Here are ten very effective strategies to help you get up and get moving toward actualizing your enormous, ...

Published · 2,478 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

When I first began to speak for a living I found it difficult to remember the names of the people who hired me or those I met during refreshment break or during the chit chat session at the end of my presentation. I knew I had to do something to improve my memory. How could I continue to ...

Published · 1,664 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

* Teaching has become a highly stressful and unhappy nprofession for many. I have heard teachers say repeatedly that teaching isn’t fun any more. Teacher stress can result from a number of stimuli ranging from dwindling resources, financial cutbacks, ever increasing expectations, lack of ...

Published · 8,208 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

I find that brief, humorous one-liners tend to fit better into the flow of a speech than longer forms of humor and are much easier to use, especially for beginners. Here are a few examples of one line humor and how I connect them to various speech topics. The first thing I do is take ...

Published · 9,320 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 4 votes

While I am always on the lookout for ways to market myself as a speaker it is often a time consuming task and one I am not overly fond of. Once in awhile something you do inadvertently turns out to be an effective marketingnstrategy. Let me explain. Last summer I was driving alone through ...

Published · 1,899 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Have you ever watched someone give a speech or presentation who does not move a muscle and speaks in a monotone voice? It is pretty devastating to be subjected to such an ordeal but it happens. And, when it does, one can only pray that it will last 10 minutes and not 50! Your facial expression and body language add significantly to the delivery of your material. Without it, you are leaving your audience with much less enthusiasm or delight over your topic than if you would move, use your hands when you speak, and add some life or emotion to your voice.

Published · 2,718 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Speaking voices come in all shapes and sizes – literally. And, while you can attribute your vocal apparatus to genes, it is not just your genetic makeup that entirely determines the quality of your speaking voice. Your environment helps shape the sound of your voice as well. If you study twins living in different parts of the country, for example, both will have the same vocal apparatus and possibly the same quality; but, what they do with it will vary according to the area in which they were raised and how they are using their voice.

Published · 2,601 views

In an article some months ago, I talked about the value of storytelling in public speaking and why a descriptive retelling of a story is much more interesting than a brief quip. Audiences love true stories especially if they involve you and have a good ending. They must be pertinent to your topic, however.

Published · 2,987 views

Do you believe that the image you project has an impact on your professional or business life? I would imagine that your answer is yes. I would also imagine that you have heard yourself on some type of recording equipment - your voicemail, an answering machine, a camcorder, or maybe even an old audio tape recorder.

Published · 3,107 views

Have you ever questioned what you are truly afraid of in public speaking? Personally, I am glad that you are nervous; if you’re not, then something is wrong. All the greats – from professional athletes to entertainers are nervous. And, they will tell you so. It is their nervousness, however, that enhances their abilities.

Published · 4,757 views · Rated 1/5 from 1 votes

I’ve been talking a lot about the Divine Feminine. I love the phenomenon that is taking place right now with women. Conversations with girlfriends are testament to the fact that the way we choose to express ourselves is changing. We are finding our power in places that previously were forbidden; at least according to society.

Published · 1,851 views

Is it possible to be composed when your heart is racing, your knees are shaking, and your stomach is in knots? Most definitely. When you look at the great speakers like Jack Canfield, Zig Ziglar, and Mark Victor Hansen, do you think they are not nervous? They are, but all you see is composure. Calm, reassuring, and confident, they address their audience just like they were having a conversation with you in your living room. They also talk to you – not at you – but directly to you, the individual in the seat, hanging on their every word.

Published · 3,641 views

One of the best pieces of advice I give to my clients is to paint a picture with your voice, with your facial expression, and with your body language when speaking. Those who read audio books are marvelous in this respect because their job is to depict everything they are saying so that the listener becomes riveted to the story and to their words.

Published · 3,554 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

For all my talk, my articles, and the advice I give about the wonderful, marvelous pause in public speaking, a difficulty for some is that it can become rhythmic, taking on a sing-song effect. The one thing you never want from the pause is for your audience to know in advance when it is coming.

Published · 4,415 views

If you do a bit of research on the internet, you will discover a number of websites promising to teach you how to have a deep voice. What is interesting about these ‘quack’ sites and even more questionable ‘authorities,’ is that not everyone has the ability to be a bass. It just isn’t possible.

Published · 4,316 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 4 votes

When it comes to public speaking, it is important to establish your general purpose before you even begin the creation of your material. What is your reason for speaking? Have you been asked to speak at a business convention or give the convocation speech at your alma mater? Maybe you are enrolled in a public speaking course or are a member of Toastmasters. Possibly you belong to a leads organization and it is your turn to give a 10-minute overview of your business. Of course, it is also possible that you are looking to establish yourself in the business of public speaking.

Published · 5,691 views

They say that variety is the spice of life and the same holds true for the voice which has color, those various and vivid effects in speech which give life to the voice. Good pacing, pause, force, duration, inflection, variety of pitch and your attitude characterize a truly dynamic speaking voice. Take the statement, He likes me, and by stressing a different word each time you say it, you will have three different meanings. He likes me. (He of all the others) He likes me. (He doesn’t dislike me) He likes me. (Me from all the others)

Published · 2,162 views

When I first started my business, I was showing my husband the 'before & after' video clips of my clients. A German-speaking Austrian, he was amazed at how much better he understood their words in the 'after' takes. What is fascinating is that I did not work with my clients on their diction - aside from nasality which is a subject unto itself - because I have found that with the right approach, your articulation will improve and be much more distinct once you find your true or 'real' voice.

Published · 4,292 views

Tone is the expression of a mood or emotion. In relationship to your delivery, tone is determined by your topic or your subject. If you are giving the after-dinner speech at a conference, it is quite possible that your talk will be funny; thus, your tone is going to be quite different than if you are giving the eulogy at a funeral.

Published · 7,270 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Nothing is more annoying for an audience than to be subjected to a verbal tic over and over and over again. Instead of paying attention to your message, your audience begins to count the tics. Verbal tics include the sounds um, ah, uh, or the words like or you know. If your message is replete with any of these habitual utterances, you should stop the practice. The best way to do this is to:

Published · 4,472 views

As much as you may wish you did not have chronic hoarseness or a persistent sore throat, wishing it away will not solve the problem. The unfortunate truth about vocal abuse is that it will only get worse in time unless you stop what is causing it. There are no drugs you can take to end the abuse. Yes, you could stop speaking for many, many months and the abuse would end. The problem is that once you started speaking again, it would return.

Published · 2,907 views · Rated 3.7/5 from 3 votes

You know what this article is not about? Nasality. I know, New Yorkers, you have heard it over and over again. Have you ever considered how fast you talk, however? While there is much to be said about diminishing, lessening or even eliminating nasality, one of the greatest problems for New Yorkers is their speed. Aside from the fact that you drive fast as we do here in South Jersey, you also talk at 100 mph! Add that to the nasality issue and it may be more than difficult for others to understand you.

Published · 2,904 views

Have you ever stood at the lecte or were sitting for an interview and when you opened your mouth to speak, the sound emanating from your lips was much higher in pitch than you expected, wanted, or appreciated? While the raising of the pitch of the voice is common when nervous, it is also something that can happen in normal conversation. Just getting excited can take some voices up several steps and for many people it is more than disconcerting. It can be embarrassing and humiliating.

Published · 3,064 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Yes, your lack of volume is the issue. I can’t tell you how many people get in touch with me because of this problem. And, it doesn’t just affect those who are soft-spoken. The amount of volume needed in a loud bar or club (or even a wedding) is at least 50% more that what I refer to as Volume 1 – your everyday level of speaking. If you are soft-spoken, however, that percentage is higher.

Published · 2,383 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

If you want to reboot your career and get results, you need to start a career journal that will allow you to review those "old contracts" with yourself. They help you realize that those “contracts” are just expectations you set for yourself when you were younger and enable you to evaluate them to see if they still hold up these days. Begin by thinking about your earliest memories and feelings surrounding the word “work”. Are they happy? Sad? Confused? What images does it conjure up?

Published · 2,127 views · Rated 5/5 from 2 votes

Have you become the Invisible Woman? Women are bombarded everyday with messages of selflessness and sacrifice. We learn pretty early that being a good wife and mother means that we always put our family first, which inevitably puts us right square in the back of the line. We hear women commended everyday for being selfless and putting the needs of others before her own, as it there is nothing better that she could do.

Published · 1,982 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

When it comes to the speaking voice, tone deals with the expression of a mood or emotion. In relationship to your delivery, your tone can have a surprising influence on how your topic or subject is perceived. If you were to give a motivational speech, your tone would be different than were you to speak to a master’s level course on horticulture. While tone is somewhat dependent upon the color in your speech, in your facial expression and in your body language, your mood or emotional state can convey a different message from what you are actually trying to say.

Published · 5,740 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Some coaches advocate memorization; others do not. While I want your opening statements memorized so that you are able to get through the beginning of your presentation or speech without flaw, I am not an aficionado of memorizing the remainder of your script or material. And, my reasoning is two-fold: - You stand a chance of forgetting where you are.

Published · 1,784 views

Through the years, I have been amazed at how many people are totally unaware that they have a richer, warmer, resonant, and even sexier speaking voice inside. Most people believe that the voice they are using out of habit is something they cannot change. Nothing could be further from the truth. Unless you are already powering your voice from your chest cavity, you do have a better voice inside. There are some changes on the 'before' and 'after' video clips of my clients that are so dramatic you might think it was two different people speaking.

Published · 12,284 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

One of the most remarkable aspects of color – the life, the animation, the emotion you express in speaking – is that there is no right or wrong. Certainly your attitude can affect your color, which I discussed in my last article, but the true beauty of speaking with expression is that it is as individual to you as are your fingerprints. No two people will give the same presentation exactly the same way; no two people will deliver a speech exactly the same way.

Published · 1,980 views

Without a doubt, your audience is your most important commodity, your most valuable asset, in public speaking. Without an audience, you have no presentation or speech; therefore, it is crucial that you, as the speaker, value your audience in both the creation and presentation of your material.

Published · 1,969 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Why does everyone else seem to get the promotion and not you? Is it possible that your diction is getting in the way? Speaking clearly today is now more important than ever because business has become global – from the largest corporations to those who run their own business out of their homes. Video and audio have made a huge difference in how we do business today and being understood the 1st time you say it may mean the difference between a raise, promotion or even a new job.

Published · 3,065 views

I have belonged to a public speaking network for some time now and it never ceases to amaze me that the members do not talk about the actual sound of the speaking voice. From topics covering the value of content versus delivery to the elimination of nervousness and even ways to find speaking engagements, they never discuss the image of the voice and what it says about them.

Published · 2,589 views

A big complaint I hear from many women is that when they answer the phone, the caller asks to speak to their mother. Does that ever happen to you? There is no doubt that this is a problem for the woman who is looking to succeed in her career. Women have enough difficulty competing with their male counterparts as it is. If you are being overlooked for a promotion or a raise because of how you sound, there is hope and help.

Published · 3,455 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

In the internet world, the amount of information on public speaking or presentation skills is overwhelming – from choosing a topic and then preparing and creating your speech or presentation to the best means of delivering your material with enthusiasm and passion. What is often neglected, however, is the idea of integrity in public speaking, a subject that could be a book in itself. What is meant by integrity? Total honesty with your audience, which can only be accomplished if you know your topic extremely well, respect those in attendance and value their presence.

Published · 3,997 views

I was watching Oprah the other day as she was interviewing Wynona Judd. Judd made a profound statement about losing weight and taking care of herself. She said that she had forgotten to put herself on her priority list. She also stated that now that she had finally made herself a priority she was happier, more peaceful and more confident than she had ever been.

Published · 6,488 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

If you think your presentation skills are not as important as your education and aptitude, consider this one point: you get your 1st interview because of your education and ability. You get your 2nd interview, however, because of your presentation skills. Employers look at resumes and decide whether they will invite you to the 1st interview depending on what they learn from your resume. Once you’ve met them for the initial session, they must then decide if you warrant another interview. Do not think your education is the deciding factor at this point? It is not.

Published · 2,136 views

There is no doubt that potential employers are looking for confidence in those whom they will hire. Seeing assuredness in how you handle yourself, how you dress, how you answer questions and even the way you sound says a lot to the person determining your future.

Published · 2,680 views

Some people can yell or talk non-stop all day and never experience hoarseness or sore throats; others cannot. Your voice is as individual to you as are your fingerprints: no two are alike. They may be similar but not exact. In that sense, your vocal apparatus is also unique.

Published · 3,537 views · Rated 3/5 from 3 votes

When it comes to image, everyone is conce ed about how they look, how they project themselves, what they say and what they wear. Yet few are aware that the sound of their speaking voice accounts for a large part of that image. So, my question to you is, do you like hearing your voice on your voicemail or your answering machine? Most people do not.

Published · 3,321 views · Rated 3.7/5 from 3 votes

Trying to run a business from your home with children underfoot requires that you are in control of them, of yourself, and of your business as well. That control is much more likely when you can use your voice to keep your kids in line. But it doesn’t mean yelling at them. In raising my two sons, I never yelled at them – I projected. What is the difference? Yelling or shouting hurts your throat and your listeners’ ears. Projection, on the other hand, does not damage your vocal folds (cords) or throat, is not painful to your children’s ears, and keeps you in control. It works!

Published · 3,523 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

It’s becoming a national nightmare for the working class in this country. According to a recent survey — ONLY 45 percent of today’s employees are satisfied with their work. Not surprising, this was the lowest level ever recorded by the Conference Board research group in more than 22 years of studying the issue. Economists and experts blame soaring health insurance costs…fewer employees consider their jobs meaningful or interesting... not to mention many feel their pay is not keeping up with inflation.

Published · 1,742 views · Rated 5/5 from 2 votes

I just received a phone call from a young man who asked if I was hiring. I am not hiring; however, were I looking for help with my business, this man would definitely not be on my list of candidates. He sounded like a wimp; and, while I did not use those exact words, I suggested that in his future cold calls, he should speak with confidence. Not aggressive by any means, but certainly not wimpy!

Published · 3,743 views

While public speaking may seem like a war in which you are doing battle, it really isn’t. In truth, it is not that different from standing at your desk among a group of people and explaining to them how you successfully won a long sought-after account. It is not unlike sharing a story about a recent experience you had. And, it is certainly not unlike telling a joke to a group of friends at the water cooler.

Published · 3,442 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

ever listened to a speaker deliver a rote or memorized presentation and were left feeling empty? A memorized delivery, be it for a speech, a presentation, or even someone in telesales is definitely a performance; but, it is not a means of communication. And, it is cold to boot!

Published · 2,896 views

When I first started teaching voice improvement, I had no idea how many fantastic benefits would result just by discovering your ‘real’ voice. Yes, the voice that is powered by means of your chest cavity versus your throat and vocal folds (cords) is richer, warmer, deeper and mature-sounding. And, with your ‘real’ voice, you can increase your volume without shouting and also eliminate vocal abuse. The other results, however, are truly amazing and have nothing to do with the voice.

Published · 3,507 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

Recently I was talking to a woman on the phone and I was continually asking her to repeat herself. When our business was completed, I told her that because of the way she clipped her words, I had missed much of what she was saying. Admittedly, had I been facing her in conversation, it would have been much easier to understand her; however, on the phone where there is no visual support for speech, much of what she was saying was lost.

Published · 2,768 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 2 votes

Through my many years as a voice coach, I have learned more from my clients than any book or theory on voice. What has been extremely fascinating is what I have discovered as to why we sound the way we do. It didn't start out as a study, rather it is the years I spent listening to my clients and asking them one specific question, "Do you sound like your mom or your dad?" Just like fingerprints, voices are very individual: no two are exactly alike but they can be very similar. There are three factors that affect why you sound the way you do: 1. Genetics; 2. Environment; and,r

Published · 6,082 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

So, you have been scheduled, invited, or commanded to speak. It could be the quarterly budget report for your firm. Maybe you are a member of Toastmasters. You could be enrolled in a local public speaking course. Perhaps it is your best friend’s wedding. Whatever the reason for your upcoming speech or presentation, what is your reaction to public speaking? Fight? Flight? Freeze?

Published · 3,778 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Having worked with the speaking voice for more than 25 years, I have heard them all. What does your voice say about you? Does it say you are weak or strong? Does it say that you are soft-spoken or too loud? Does it say that you speak in a monotone or does it exude color, life and emotion? Do you speed through your sentences at a 100 mph or dawdle at 50? If you are curious as to the image your voice projects, record yourself during a normal conversation by means of a camcorder or some other type of recording equipment. Then play it back and listen to it.

Published · 2,627 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

Nothing is more frustrating than listening to a public speaker deliver a speech or presentation at 100 mph. A few minutes at this speed is one thing; however, 50 minutes or more at that pace can easily lose your listeners. Talking too fast is tiring for both you as the speaker and your audience as well. 2 other factors that you should take into account regarding speaking too quickly are: 1. the faster you talk, the more likely you are to trip over your words; and,r

Published · 3,186 views

When we hear the word nasality, we tend to think of New York City and her 5 boroughs. Excessive nasality is not limited just to New Yorkers though. You can find various forms of nasality in certain pockets of both the United States and Canada.

Published · 3,109 views

While there are various methods and suggestions as to how to make your voice deeper in pitch, the difference between those approaches and the one that is correct lies in the word make. As soon as you make your voice do something it shouldn’t, you are forcing it. When you force your voice into an unnatural, lower pitch, you begin the process of damage to your vocal folds (cords) and throat, also known as vocal abuse.

Published · 2,060 views

Have you ever considered what your body is saying when you are addressing an audience – even just talking in your living room or sitting at the kitchen table? Referred to as body language, non-verbal communication is expressed by the posture of your body, your gestures and even your face. The questio I would ask you is what your body language expresses when you speak? Does it match the emotion you are feeling? Or does it say something different? It is also possible that your body language is expressing no emotion, as well as your facial expression and your voice.

Published · 2,016 views

When I teach my clients or my students how to speak with emotion, I emphasize that there is no right or wrong answer with color. Color is the life, the emotion, the animation you express in speaking. Color is determined by your topic as well as your mood or attitude. The only thing that would be considered wrong would be to deliver a speech or presentation without any life or emotion. That is called speaking in monotone and it is boring.

Published · 2,984 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

Do others ask you to repeat yourself a lot? If so, do you realize how much time and energy you waste saying your message a 2nd or 3rd time? In today’s fast-paced world, being heard the 1st time you say it is vital to your success. If others continually ask you to repeat yourself, eventually they will stop asking and stop listening. What this means is that your words and your ideas are not going to be heard.

Published · 3,093 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

The value of storytelling in public speaking is undeniable. Audiences love true stories especially if they are recounted with a good description. You may use them in your opening, your closing, or place them in the development of your delivery as long as they are relevant to your topic.

Published · 2,279 views

Do you know what one of the best kept secrets is in public speaking? It has nothing to do with your material but is vital in your delivery. All the great speakers do it while many novices do not. It is easy to do and natural. In fact, you do it in normal conversation with your family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances and never give it a second thought. It is called moving. Now you may be questioning what moving has to do with public speaking. Everything. Moving is important for several reasons.

Published · 2,773 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

While you may think that voice training is just for politicians and actors, today, people in business are becoming much more aware of its value. Courses are offered by means of books, CDs, and even video, as well as workshops and private consultations.

Published · 2,675 views · Rated 1/5 from 1 votes

Women experience a lot of guilt. Many have heard me say that guilt is poison. It’s a poison that we must stop taking and giving to those around us. Guilt makes us do things we don’t want to do. Our children get away with more when we feel guilty. We say yes, to people, not just our children, when we want to say no in order to avoid guilt.

Published · 1,653 views

I know, it sounds like a science fiction movie. Time travel movies are my favorite. I love, love the idea of being able to move forward and backward in time to manipulate events. The work I do with clients involves a little bit of traveling across the waves of time. You do it too, you know? Each time you focus your mind on anything but the present you are time traveling. Do you ever find yourself thinking about the past or focusing your thoughts on future events?

Published · 1,508 views

When transitioning from my former career as a stand-up comic into my new one as “The Reinvention Guy,” I realized that one of the things that had been holding me back from accomplishing my goals was the desperation of wanting success too badly. I swore that once I transformed myself, I would do my best to get rid of it (the desperation)! Sure, I would still have tenacity. But I would pull back more, give people a chance to get to know me, and not be a jackhammer in trying to land engagements.

Published · 1,545 views · Rated 5/5 from 2 votes

I recently read an article by a man who teaches presentation skills. He was discussing the fact that most people hate their voice on recording equipment because it is unfamiliar to their ear. What 'floored me' about his message was that he was suggesting you accept it and live with it. While I would assume that this man probably shows others how to speak with more color and more life (gosh I hope he at least is doing that if he is teaching presentation skills!), he has no idea what voice training is about. None whatsoever.

Published · 3,047 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

I just received an email from a nurse telling me that she has been suffering from hoarseness for a long time, unable to sing high notes any more, shouting at her deaf patients to be heard and always clearing her dry throat. Do any of these symptoms sound familiar? Possibly not the shouting business but if you are experiencing chronic hoarseness or have lost your singing range or if you find your throat drier than in the past, there is a very good chance that you have vocal abuse.

Published · 2,916 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

Unless you live along the Boston-Washington corridor, chances are good that you if you have a problem with volume it is probably that you speak with too little of it. We, in the Northeast region of America, tend to use too much of it – we drive fast, we talk fast, and we are loud.

Published · 3,569 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

Many people gain tremendous emotional, spiritual and physical benefits from yoga. Its value is undeniable. I would like to posture a question to you. If you find the deep breathing advantageous in reducing your stress during yoga, why not make it a habit and do it all day long?

Published · 3,958 views · Rated 4.3/5 from 3 votes

Has this ever happened to you? You stand to give your speech or presentation; and, when you begin speaking what comes out of your mouth is higher in pitch and quivering to boot. So what is to be done? In most cases, nervousness is the cause of the quiver. (There are some voices, however, that quiver whether one is nervous or not.) There is a means of eliminating the quiver that works even when you are nervous.

Published · 5,983 views · Rated 2/5 from 2 votes

Many times people are not being heard because they speak too softly. There is another group, however, who are not being heard because they are not speaking distinctly and clearly. They are known as the mumblers. If you are being asked to repeat yourself because your words are not being understood, then you should do something to stop your lazy lip syndrome.

Published · 7,825 views

...at least they think they do! If I had a nickel for every woman who asked me why she would always lose herself in her relationship with a man, I would be a rich woman. Hell, I would be a rich woman if I had a nickel for every relationship I lost myself in. Ha!…I wish that was a paying job!

Published · 1,678 views

Lack of volume in speaking is a big problem for many people. Unfortunately, this characteristic can label you incorrectly. While it is possible that your soft-spoken voice is due to a lack of confidence, it is also possible that you speak softly because you were raised to speak softly. If you would like to learn how to increase your volume correctly without shouting or being too loud, you will need to record yourself as well as someone else who speaks with a normal amount of volume. This person can be a friend or even a professional voice that you hear on the radio or TV.

Published · 2,377 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 2 votes

Have you ever considered what your lack of volume is saying about you? Possibly in days of old, a soft-spoken voice was considered feminine and endearing. Today, however, with the number of women in business, a voice lacking in ‘normal’ volume is not an endearing quality. Unfortunately, it says that you lack confidence in yourself. And, if you are a man, it says the same as well.

Published · 2,957 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 2 votes

During a recent 2-day workshop I was holding, one of the participants was a lovely woman by the name of Angie who had a big, nasal voice. When she got excited, not only did the pitch of her speaking voice rise, but her volume increased as well. Does that sound familiar? While speaking too loudly is not nearly as common as speaking too softly, it does happen. And, for your listeners, it can be painful to their ears. If you find others recoiling when you talk, you should consider voice training in order to learn how to lessen your volume to a comfortable level.

Published · 2,672 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 2 votes

Would you like to test yourself for nasality? Gently place a finger on each side of your nose and say the word ‘greet.’ Did you feel any vibrations in your nose? Now say the word ‘great.’ Again, did you vibrate? If your answer is yes, then you have nasal issues. Those two sounds, the long a and long e should not be articulated through your nose. They really don’t belong there. If you had said the word grain or green, however, you would have noticed some vibration because both words contain a nasal.

Published · 8,111 views · Rated 1.5/5 from 2 votes

A big problem for many in public speaking is a voice that quivers due to nervousness. First of all, I would hope that you would be nervous in public speaking. I don’t care how many times you’ve given a presentation, whether it is your fifth time or your five hundredth. Nervousness is that wonderful rush of adrenaline that can give your delivery pizzazz. What you need to understand is that those nervous jitters are a blessing in disguise.

Published · 2,796 views · Rated 2/5 from 2 votes

One of the most common complaints I hear from my students and clients is lack of air in public speaking. This is indeed a problem because without air, there is no voice. And, without voice, there is no speech or presentation. Breathlessness can be easily ‘cured’ by supplementing your air supply while speaking. You do this in normal conversation without ever giving it a second thought. At the lectern, however, you still believe what your 2nd grade teacher said in reading out loud, “Don’t take a breath until you come to some form of punctuation.”

Published · 2,866 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 2 votes

Without a doubt, you can learn much from Zig Ziglar, Anthony Robbins, and Brian Tracy and so you should. What you shouldn't do, however, is try to copy them. The best public speakers are themselves, first and foremost. They are not trying to be or to sound like someone else.

Published · 2,356 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

We are hearing it more and more each day. We hear it with politicians, ministers, professional speakers, coaches, trainers, singers, aerobics instructors, and even the guy next door. It is called vocal abuse and it results from unnecessary wear and tear on the vocal folds (cords).

Published · 3,154 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

Absolutely. In fact, given the right approach, you could enter the workshop in the morning with your ‘old’ voice and have lunch with your ‘new’ one. It happens that quickly. Of course, it is not a habit at that point, but it is the beginning of an amazing change in your life, both professionally and personally.

Published · 3,175 views · Rated 2.3/5 from 3 votes

The first time I heard myself on a recording was many years ago when I was in college. I had a small portable Sony tape recorder and I was with my friends when we recorded ourselves. I was horrified when I heard my own speaking voice. What is fascinating about that experience is that while all of my friends sounded exactly the same on the recording as they did off, I was sure that my voice was a mistake. I even blamed Sony for what I heard, attributing the quality of my voice to cheap equipment.

Published · 3,134 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

One of the most common complaints I hear from women is that they sound like a child; and, they are tired of answering the phone and having the caller ask to speak to their mother. Does that sound familiar? If my first statement resonated with you, there is good news and even better news. The good news is that your ‘real’ or true sound is a voice inside of you that you do not know is in there. And that voice is richer, warmer, and much more mature-sounding than your habitual voice.

Published · 3,550 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

Do you think the ability to speak effectively is important in your career? Whatever your job, be it working for someone else or starting your own company, presentation skills today are at the top of the ladder when it comes to business. And, you have the internet to thank for that. Video-conferencing, webinars, teleconferences, and workshops are on the rise even with our ‘sluggish’ economy as some might refer to it. People want answers and they want them yesterday. As a result, we are getting more and more information by means of the internet.

Published · 3,758 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 2 votes

While there are various means of being expressive in speaking, one of the most common components is the use of force. Force refers to expending extra energy or strength on a particular word, phrase, or sentence for emphasis. The majority of the population use force at one time or another in conversation. It is normal; it natural; it is effective; however, it is sometimes lacking in public speaking.

Published · 4,749 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

For many people who speak in a normal volume of sound, straining to hear someone who speaks too softly is very frustrating. If you are soft-spoken and refuse to increase your volume to be heard comfortably (notice I didn’t say to speak loudly), then your message is not being heard. What message are you sending if no one hears your words? There are only so many times others will ask you to repeat yourself before taking over the conversation or directing the conversation to someone else. And, what that does for your self-confidence is certainly not positive.

Published · 2,668 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

The other day a woman phoned me and her volume was so loud that I had to move the phone away from my ear. My immediate opinion of the caller was that she was overbearing. Her loud volume was making a statement about her that may or may not have been true.

Published · 2,652 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

While the majority of those who stand to address an audience are nervous, there is a small percentage of people whose nervousness is debilitating. And, their first reaction is often to feel sick to their stomach. If the thought of public speaking makes you want to ‘bring up lunch,’ there are a few things you can do to make the job easier and give you a fighting chance.

Published · 3,447 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Last week I was not looking forward to my upcoming 2-day workshop in Chicago. I had gotten a cold/flu the previous Sunday, after attending my high school reunion the night before – and hopefully not infecting everyone who was there. In any event, I so wanted to cancel the workshop because I didn’t know how I was going to get through it. 8 hours of talking for 2 consecutive days is rough on the speaking voice when you’re healthy, let alone when you’re sick. It is also the 1st time I have ever been sick for a 2-day workshop.

Published · 3,313 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

There is no doubt that for many novice speakers, breathlessness is an annoying problem. It goes hand-in-hand with a voice that rises in pitch and a speed that goes faster and faster. None of these ‘qualities’ are beneficial in public speaking.

Published · 2,934 views

Women often wonder why men don’t listen. There are a number of possibilities, one of which could be that your voice is irritating. If you have a whiny, high-pitched, nasal sound that is reminiscent of a poorly-tuned violin, then the image you are projecting is definitely not one of warmth, attraction, or authority. What is fascinating about the speaking voice is that you have a better voice inside of you which is resonant, more mature in sound, and most likely deeper in pitch. To find it, you will have to learn how to power your voice by means of your chest cavity.

Published · 3,553 views · Rated 3/5 from 3 votes

If there is one thing that cannot happen in public speaking, it is the possibility of delivering a perfect presentation. What skills would you need to make your words or your manner of speaking perfect? Can you answer that honestly? Your presentation may be great; it may be excellent; it may be the best you have ever done; but, that doesn’t make it perfect. Perfection is subjective in this particular venue. In fact, any live performance, be it music, theatre, or even in the sports arena, cannot be judged by that one particular word – perfection.

Published · 3,229 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

There are three things that all young people strongly dislike. 1. Being preached to 2. Being put down by others, especially parents and teachers 3. Being yelled at As parents we know how difficult it can be to refrain from doing all three. When we’re angry things just come out and we regret them right after the deed is done. Thank God for the phrase “I’m sorry.” We all seem to have a strong tendency to preach at our kids. And why shouldn’t we? We were on the receiving end of preaching for a long time when we were kids. Now it’s our turn. Tr

Published · 2,581 views · Rated 2.3/5 from 3 votes

There are so many people with so many great messages but the moment they open their mouth to speak, the sound that emanates from their lips is anything but captivating. All too often, we are so preoccupied with the message and subsequent delivery, that we never take into account the vehicle which transports our words.

Published · 1,783 views

Nothing is more frustrating than finding a topic for a persuasive presentation for your public speaking class or for Toastmasters, especially if you are not one to voice your opinion on subjects that could be controversial. If you are stymied for a topic, do some soul searching and make a list of topics for which you have particular leanings.

Published · 2,362 views

Have you ever noticed when watching a movie or a primetime television show that you can always understand the diction of those actors in which English is not their ‘mother tongue?’ We see and hear actors with German, Spanish, French, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arab and African accents, to name just a few, who all speak clearly and distinctly.

Published · 3,166 views · Rated 5/5 from 2 votes

That is an interesting question. While I often use those two words interchangeably, there is a difference. I liken pacing to your overall speed. Do you generally speak slowly, quickly or at a moderate rate of speed? In North America, a good pacing is moderate. If you speak too fast, you will tire your listeners; if you speak too slowly, you will put them to sleep.

Published · 2,326 views

Recently I had the opportunity to hear an international speaker address a large group of women. The women’s ages ranged from their 20’s to their 60’s. While the speaker used the F-word once, the silence in the large ballroom was much more palpable when he then used a 4-letter word that begins with ‘d’ and ends with 'k.' Trust me, he was not referring to a duck!

Published · 1,732 views

When most people speak, they power their voice by means of their voice box and throat. To a lesser extent, the mouth and nasal cavities are also acting as resonators, aiding in the production of voiced sound. And, of course, you probably think this is normal. It may be normal for you but, in truth, there is a resonator that is missing in this picture.

Published · 11,669 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

OK If I Laugh Now? It seems the jury is out on this one, with opinion divided on whether or not it is okay to laugh at your own jokes. Maybe it's just me (although I doubt it given the number of comedians and humorous speakers who also laugh at their own jokes. But I believe the aim of a speaker is to connect with the audience, and sharing a laugh is the perfect bridge to achieve that. Speakers are entertainers. Entertainers do it because not only do they love what they're doing, they love the interaction with and the reaction of the audience.

Published · 3,411 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

I recently listened to a webinar in which the speaker’s voice was so nasal, it gave me a headache. And I use Bose speakers on my computer! Is this man’s voice an asset? No. In his case, it is most definitely a liability. The problem with his overly nasal voice is that he does not sound credible because his sound is whiny, sharp and irritating. Excessive nasality is not the only problem with speaking voices that are annoying however. - If you are over 21 and sound like a child, a pre-teen, or even a teenager, then you are projecting a childlike image.

Published · 3,612 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

While the phrase ‘you know’ has not yet replaced the verbal tics ‘um’ and ‘ah,’ it is gaining momentum both in the delivery of presentations and in normal conversation. If you are aware that you use one of more of these fillers, it really is not difficult to eliminate them if you willing to practice and record yourself.

Published · 2,571 views

I hear it time and time again. Women emailing me or phoning to ask me what they can do about their childlike voice, wondering if it is possible to change that sound. Absolutely. You have a voice inside of you that sounds more mature and can even improve with age no matter how old you are. The problem is you don’t know where it is – but it is in there. I guarantee it. I can’t tell you the hundreds of women with whom I have worked who have found their ‘real’ voice and then seen their life improve dramatically.

Published · 2,618 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

There is no doubt about it. You’ve got one: a richer, warmer speaking voice that, given the right tone, can be very, very hot. It is merely a matter of finding it.

Published · 2,734 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 2 votes

That’s right. Women find a deep voice sexy because it has a warm quality and sounds confident. It stirs something inside of us, without a doubt. The last time you heard your voice on voicemail, an answering machine or some other form of recording equipment, were you impressed? Remember, how she hears your voice is exactly what you hear on the recording, not the sound you hear in your head. So judge your speaking voice accordingly.

Published · 7,855 views · Rated 2/5 from 3 votes

For those of you refuse to interrupt your sentences to breathe, you have a mass of listeners who are frustrated because they do not catch the 2nd half of your sentences. Do you know why this is? I’ll give you a clue. It’s got something to do with oxygen. Without air, there is no voice. What is happening when you do not supplement your air supply in speaking (especially on the podium) is that you are unable to finish your thoughts with enough volume to be heard comfortably.

Published · 3,242 views · Rated 2.5/5 from 2 votes

When you give a speech or presentation, do you include stories or anecdotes in your material? If not, you should. Anecdotes and stories are not only interesting for your audience but they also lend credibility to you as a speaker; and, one of your goals as a speaker is to establish this reliability. Your audience needs to be able to trust in your worthiness to speak on a particular topic.

Published · 2,011 views

The one thing that many new speakers don’t think about and never have enough of is something that has a negative impact on their delivery skills. It is actually very simple, basic, and a necessity. Without it, there are no words; thus, no message. It is called breathing.

Published · 4,890 views

That which causes your voice to sound hoarse or creates a chronic sore throat is called vocal abuse. While it is common for pop singers, it also happens to many people because of speaking and/or yelling for great lengths of time. Unfortunately, vocal abuse will not go away on its own if you continue with the same techniques that have caused the problem to begin with.

Published · 2,903 views · Rated 4.7/5 from 3 votes

One of the great mistakes made in public speaking is trying to be someone or something that you are not. Your audience is not in attendance, giving of their time, to hear or watch you be something other than yourself. They came to hear you be you. As a voice specialist, I have found that some of my most difficult clients were those who wanted to sound like a famous broadcaster or a professional speaker, for instance. As great as Zig Ziglar is (and he really is terrific), the last thing you want to do is to imitate him. Learn from him but don’t try to copy him.

Published · 3,051 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Body language. It is a term we hear much about from articles, books, and the media. There is even a crime show, called Lie to Me, in which the main character specializes in interpreting the microexpressions and body language of others, cleverly changing his own body language to further unsettle the suspect. Do you know what your body language is saying when you are speaking? Is it conveying confidence and assuredness or is it telling another story?

Published · 3,051 views · Rated 4.5/5 from 4 votes

The Super Bowl is fast approaching and there is one result that I can predict: hoarseness and sore throats. Some may even experience loss of voice by the end of the night. This problem is known as vocal abuse and it can lead to serious problems for your speaking voice. There are those who can yell or shout on a daily basis and never do any damage. The majority of the population, however, cannot.

Published · 12,595 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

An Invitation: Last week I introduced my Personalized Self-Love Intensive program and I still have 3 spots available for the powerful one-on-one sessions. If you’re ready to say yes to you and your opulent, joyous life then this is the program for you. A reminder: Fall in Love…with your Self hypnotic journey is still ON SALE. Price includes shipping. It’s available in hard copy or mp3 version. Your Divine Life:r

Published · 1,335 views

When clients tell me they want to be like Anthony Robbins or Zig Ziglar, my first question is why? Yes, I understand that they may want to be as famous or as rich or as talented, but why would they want to imitate either one of them?

Published · 3,376 views · Rated 4.8/5 from 4 votes

The other day I spoke to 2 individuals with the exact same problem. They were pushing their voices from their throats. In both cases, I had to move the phone away from my ear because they were so loud that it hurt. If you are pushing hard from your throat when you talk, not only is it offensive to your listeners’ ears, but it also can do serious damage to your vocal folds (cords) and your throat. In fact, both were complaining about discomfort: they had sore throats and were not sick. This is known as vocal abuse.

Published · 4,555 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Yes, I want you nervous for your upcoming speech or presentation because nervousness is good. I do not want your audience to see it however. Great public speakers are nervous. As many times as they have spoken, as many times as they have delivered the same presentation over and over, their adrenaline is in high gear when they enter the stage.

Published · 2,478 views · Rated 5/5 from 2 votes

What if you could live every moment of your life in inspiration, enthusiasm and joy? What would it be like? How would you be spending your time? Really take a moment to think about this now. You may even find resistance to considering this kind of life. We learn pretty early in life not to expect too much so as not to be disappointed. This is a great way to live if you are simply a victim of circumstance. But you’re not. You are an active Co-creator of your life, whether by default or conscious creation.

Published · 1,709 views · Rated 4/5 from 2 votes

When you speak at the lectern, on a stage or even at the head of the boardroom table, have you ever considered the imagery you use, thereby depicting your thoughts more effectively? Too often I hear those who speak so quickly and are so anxious to get it over with, that their words are said in haste with no qualifiers, no adjectives, and no adverbs. Your success in public speaking is not just your message but how well you deliver that message. Using imagery to create a more vivid picture of what you are saying is part of those dynamics.

Published · 4,023 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 8 votes

I am going to assume that your delivery skills are above average. You have addressed an audience on numerous occasions and you enjoy the challenge of public speaking. As strong as your presentation skills are, however, how good is the sound of your speaking voice – the one you hear on your answering machine, not the one you hear in your head? If you could improve that aspect of your delivery, would you be interested to know that there is hope for the voice that you may find embarrassing or even humiliating when you hear it on a recording?

Published · 2,941 views · Rated 3.4/5 from 7 votes

Are you plagued with a voice that is luckluster when you speak? Have others told you that you sound boring when you talk? The good news about speaking in monotone is that you can change it. As long you allow yourself to do so. That is where the difficulty lies. If you express little emotion in talking, you must: 1. want to make the change; and, 2. allow yourself to do it. For those who speak in a monotone, this is easier said than done. Yes, the 1st criterion is simple but the 2nd one will take effort, diligence and permission from yourself to make the change.

Published · 3,527 views

One of the reasons I like writing articles is that I can test out real world public speaking techniques and then share my results to you. Which brings me to a recent speaking engagement that was… how do I say this delicately …well, NOT the ideal speaking situation. In fact, for any humorist or speaker it might not be ideal. It was certainly a challenge, to say the least. In over 30 years of either speaking or doing stand-up comedy -- this was an engagement that tested me, my ability and confidence.

Published · 1,813 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Paul Boross' new book, The Pitching Bible has recently been released, and he has kindly given us a taster of his Seven Secrets of a Successful Business Pitch. Secret 1: It’s All About Them Apparently, a fear of public speaking is one of the most common problems in the world of business. According to one survey, people fear it more than death. There are many, many techniques that you can learn to overcome any fear of presenting, but don’t need any of them. You just need to master the first secret.r

Published · 1,741 views

The last thing some people think about when heading out the door for a job interview is confidence. Too often, there is such trepidation and fear, that their vision lacks this one thing the employer is looking for. Why should someone hire you if you do not look and sound confident? Trust me, some of your competition is definitely not lacking in this department. By no means do I suggest overconfidence however. Sounding too assured of yourself is just as bad as the opposite extreme. So how do you project confidence when you are ‘dying a thousand deaths?’ By believing in yourself.r

Published · 2,631 views · Rated 3.4/5 from 9 votes

Imagine nails on a blackboard and how it makes your skin crawl or how the hair on the back of your neck stands out. Now imagine a nasal voice similar to those who hail from Brooklyn or the Bronx. After hearing a sound like that for any great length of time, you might get the same reaction that you did from the nails as they scrape the smooth surface of the board.

Published · 3,506 views

Many people suffer from chronic hoarseness, sore throats and even loss of voice; and, most of these people do so because of misuse of the speaking voice. It is common; it is world wide; and, it is a growing concern.

Published · 5,496 views · Rated 5/5 from 3 votes

In order to explore the incredible effects of EFT on one’s sense of Self-Love we must explore what self-love is and how it’s formed.

Published · 2,435 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

The other day I was reading an article about stress written by Health Information Publications and I was delighted to see that the medical professionals really do understand the value of diaphragmatic breathing in the elimination of stress. Most of the articles on stress that I have encountered on the internet place little, if any, importance on this simple, healthy technique.

Published · 3,713 views · Rated 3.7/5 from 9 votes

If others continually ask you to repeat yourself, what do you think that says about you? If you are striving to achieve success in your career, do you think your soft-spoken voice might be jeopardizing your goals? Have you ever considered that your lack of volume is possibly what could be holding you back? I would never advocate for a loud voice. Admittedly, I would prefer that someone spoke too softly than too loudly because a loud voice can be offensive; however, that is not a justification for being too soft in volume.

Published · 3,333 views

If you are an A-type personality, public speaking can be most frustrating for you because of your need to make your delivery perfect. One of the definitions of perfection is to be entirely without fault. Have you ever seen a theater performance or listened to a concert that was entirely without fault? Were no mistakes made? While you in the audience for the concert or the play may not have been aware of the wrong note from the band or orchestra or the flubbing of a line by one of the actors, mistakes are made.

Published · 3,139 views

Voice power is something many are lacking. Some people can talk all day without a problem but many of us cannot. Do you find your voice getting weaker as the day progresses? Do you sometimes lose your voice by the end of the day and you are not sick? If so, then you should consider voice training because the problem will not go away on its own.

Published · 3,887 views

A voice that lacks color is dull and uninteresting. It also says something about you, as the speaker, which may or may not be true. If you speak in a monotone, how do you think others perceive you? A few words that come to my mind are cold, indifferent, and unemotional. Do those words describe you? If so, there are 5 steps you can take to immediately change that perception.

Published · 15,515 views

For many people, just the thought of public speaking is enough to cause extreme panic. When you consider that it is man’s greatest fear, this is not surprising. While you may regard the act of standing in front of an audience and delivering a speech or presentation as a war that you will lose, might I suggest that you regard the process as a battle instead? In order to win the war, you must first win the battle.

Published · 3,020 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

If you want to tap the full potential of your speaking voice, do your homework first and research what is out there. The question you need to ask yourself is whether you want to improve the voice you already have or would you prefer to discover the voice you don’t know you have?

Published · 3,195 views

Unless you are planning to become an actor, I see no reason to try to get rid of your accent as long as you speak clearly. This is a prerequisite for success. It does not matter where you live or what language is your mother tongue.

Published · 3,361 views

Without a doubt, the video recorder is one of the best pieces of equipment you have for honing your skills. The ability to see and hear yourself in action is a marvelous learning tool, especially if you can get someone to help you by asking the questions. There is no doubt that it is easier to speak to a living, breathing person than just to the lens of the camcorder.

Published · 4,142 views

Did you know that nervousness in public speaking is beneficial? While many articles are written to help you try to eliminate or stop those nervous jitters, I want the exact opposite. Yes, I want you nervous. However, I want you to learn how to take control of it. - When you can put your adrenaline to use, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish. Adrenaline comes into play in the body under duress and places you in the fight, flight, or freeze mode. Unfortunately, many people assume either the flight or freeze mode when addressing an audience.

Published · 2,358 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

I have spent the last few months questioning why my customers, as well as the subscribers to my newsletters, consist of 75% men and only 25% women. If you look at the picture objectively, we women often sound like ill-tuned violins. (And, it is certainly possible that this is one of the reasons men don’t always listen to us!)

Published · 2,826 views · Rated 1/5 from 1 votes

Many years ago when I first started my business, I had a most eye-opening experience that I will never forget. It happened on a consecutive Monday and Tuesday. On Monday, I had been working with a group from Nortel in voice and presentation skills. One of the men from the group told me that, in the previous week, he had found others listening to him. That had never happened before. Apparently for Jim, whenever he was in conference, everyone talked over him.

Published · 8,553 views · Rated 2/5 from 2 votes

They say that man’s greatest fear is public speaking; his second greatest fear is dying. Imagine that – most people would rather be dead than stand and give a speech! But did you know that man’s 3rd greatest fear is dying while public speaking?

Published · 6,942 views · Rated 2/5 from 2 votes

You are standing in front of an audience. Your knees and hands are shaking; your heart is pounding in your ears and in your cheeks; sweat has formed on your brow; your lips are quivering. If all of that isn’t bad enough, when you open your mouth to speak, the voice that results is quivering or shaking as well. If this has happened to you, rest assured that there is help. Below are 5 tips that can change you from looking and sound like a timid, nervous Nellie to one who sounds confident and in control.

Published · 14,172 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 6 votes

When you address an audience, are your more conce ed with speaking from your head or your heart. While knowledge of your material is undeniably important, if it doesn't come from your heart, then you are missing a fundamental of dynamic public speaking.

Published · 1,509 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

When I teach public speaking, one of the tips I offer is to learn how to stop connecting your sentences with verbal tics, such as “um” or “ah.” There is a word, however, that is that is sometimes abused in speaking as well. Many people connect their sentences with the word and. After some time, this verbal faux pas becomes very obvious especially on stage. What it means for the speaker is that he/she is delivering one huge compound sentence. What it means for the audience is verbal tedium.

Published · 2,520 views · Rated 5/5 from 2 votes

The Biggest Mistake I Made in Loving Myself My conscious journey of Self-Love began when I divorced my fourth husband almost 6 years ago. The demise of that marriage began my journey of self-reflection and emotional excavation. I realized that the only common denominator in all of my marriages was ME and during my self-reflectio I realized that the men I married were all very similar, there were many common threads.

Published · 1,664 views

If you find that your voice drops off at the end of your sentences, you are probably male. While this problem is not confined to the male sex, it is much more common among men than women. Why this happens could be for a few different reasons. 1. Fear of Interruption. You are hoping not to be interrupted while speaking, thus you do not pause. The result is that you are losing your air supply and do not have the support for your words by the end of your statement or sentence.

Published · 6,240 views

If you had to choose, which word – or words – from the following list describes your voice? Whiny – high in pitch - nasal - hoarse - throaty - gravelly - scratchy - whispery - soft - loud - shrill - strident - thick - thin - childlike - old - muddy - chirpy – sharp - raspy - tight - wispy - wimpy – shaky – heavy accent. If just one of those descriptions is typical of how you sound, you should think about training your voice because the words that describe a dynamic speaking voice are not found in that list. Those descriptions would be rich - warm - deep – and full of resonance.

Published · 2,821 views · Rated 4.5/5 from 2 votes

In today’s world of public speaking, standing out from the crowd is one of your first priorities in establishing a career at the podium. Your success depends on it.

Published · 3,534 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

If you are interested in discovering your real speaking voice but do not want to learn the proper breathing techniques in order to do so, then do not read any further. Some people provide various exercises to improve the voice you presently have; and, there are a few others who will show you the voice you don’t know you have. And, that can be very exciting.

Published · 2,620 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 4 votes

With the high level of unemployment today, landing a job with any company is highly competitive. What is the possibility that your voice is not an asset but indeed a liability? Before pursuing graduate studies, I worked for a company in the Philadelphia area in which we sold pre-arranged tours to Hawaii, Mexico, and Califo ia over the telephone. While my boss, Harry, was an excellent salesman, his speaking voice was definitely his greatest asset. Deep, rich, and resonant, Harry’s voice was captivating and his success at Your Man Tours was outstanding.

Published · 2,671 views

Most people are unaware that voice training is something they can do for their personal and professional development. No, it is not just actors and politicians who study with a voice coach. More and more people are discovering that they are not stuck with the voice they hear on their answering machines or voicemail.

Published · 2,421 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

The last thing I want to hear when I’m in attendance for a 50-minute presentation is a speaker reading to me. My feeling is that if you are going to read your material, why not zerox it, pass it out and we can all go home or back to work. Better yet, email it to me! The next to the last thing I want to hear is the speaker expounding for 50 minutes of memorized text. Memorization is a necessity in acting. In public speaking, it is dangerous for 2 reasons: 1. You will sound rote; and, 2. If you lose your train of thought, you have nothing to fall back on.

Published · 2,285 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

DFW TEEN VOICE Prosperous & Thriving Youth BY Founder Patricia Ross http://www.teenvoice.ws/ SHOP ON-LINE TEEN VOICE STORE http://teenvoice.ws Stay Connected: www.hubpages.com/hub/dfwteenvoice and dfwteenvoice.blogspot.com dfwteenvoice@hotmail.com 972-504-6773 As you move forward in life lets' say you want a car. *write your goal down for wanting a car *the steps you will take to get a car (for everyone it may be different).

Published · 1,637 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

Without a doubt, The King’s Speech deserved its Oscars and I would recommend it to all. Yes, I enjoyed the biographical aspects and the acting; but, what is even more insightful is how this man was able to overcome a debilitating vocal ‘handicap’ in order to deliver speeches during his reign as King of England.

Published · 4,061 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

Getting a job is not easy with today’s high rate of unemployment. It is certainly to your advantage to not only have the right education and experience but also the best presentation skills as well. When you think about the image you project, what does your voice say about you? In order to answer this question, however, you must base your answer on the voice you hear on your voicemail or answering machine and not the sound you hear in your head.

Published · 3,348 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

With today’s high unemployment, finding a job and then landing the position is a difficult process. While you may think you are perfect for the job, there are many other candidates who feel the same way about themselves. There is no question that your competition is fierce. Being able to answer the questions asked during the interview, having good communication skills, and displaying confidence in your demeanor and delivery are strengths you cannot ignore. And, some of the other candidates will possess those qualities as well.

Published · 2,342 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 4 votes

DFW TEEN VOICE Prosperous & Thriving Youth BY Patricia Ross Founder of Teen Voice http://www.teenvoice.ws/ SHOP ON-LINE TEEN VOICE STORE http://teenvoice.ws www.hubpages.com/hub/dfwteenvoicernr

Published · 1,822 views

Most people in business today are eager to learn and improve their business skills. They read articles; they listen to webinars; and, they attend bootcamps in the hopes of securing a better future for themselves. Your competition is fierce. Other candidates are just as hungry for the job as you are. Many may be just as talented as you in fulfilling the duties required for the position. This is when having the knowledge and necessary skills in presenting yourself professionally could be the deciding factor in who gets the job.

Published · 2,679 views · Rated 3/5 from 3 votes

There is no doubt that when I write about volume, I talk more about the soft-spoken voice because lack of volume is much more common than too much. Those who are too loud, however, are just as difficult for the listener as the former. A loud voice is hard on your listeners’ ears. There is nothing more frustrating for those on a cell or a landline who must move the receiver away from their ear.

Published · 12,248 views · Rated 3/5 from 4 votes

One of the difficulties many people have is to the ability to increase their volume without hurting their throat or their listeners’ ears. The right way to do this is known as projection and is only possible if you are powering your voice from your chest cavity.

Published · 7,023 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

Recently I have been reading some questionable articles about the various ways in which you can gain a deeper voice and I am appalled at the number of people who are giving advice. People who have no understanding of or training in the speaking voice. In addition, their tips and tricks are wrong and can produce serious damage to the vocal folds.

Published · 4,135 views · Rated 3/5 from 3 votes

Do you know what imagery means in public speaking? While it is not quite the same as speaking with vocal variety, it does involve using color, facial expression and body language when you communicate with an audience and it is an important basis for dynamic public speaking skills. Imagery, as defined by the free dictionary online, is “the use of vivid or figurative language to represent objects, actions, or ideas.”

Published · 2,944 views · Rated 4/5 from 2 votes

One of the most common complaints I hear from clients is that they run out of air at the lectern. If this is a problem for you, let me ask you a question. Do you experience breathlessness in normal conversation? Your answer is probably No. If you do not run out of air when you are speaking to friends, family or co-workers, then you should not be breathless at the lectern. The causes of lack of air are as follows: 1. You do not think to breathe. 2. You are waiting until you come to the end of a sentence to take a breath. 3. Nervousness is sapping your air supply.

Published · 3,337 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Dfw Teen Voice " How to Attract Favor In Your Life" By Patricia Founder Teen Voice http://teenvoice.ws Attract Define as: at·tract v. at·tract·ed, at·tract·ing, at·tracts v.tr. 1. To cause to draw near or adhere by physical force: Magnetic poles are attracted to their opposites. 2. To arouse or compel the interest, admiration, or attention of: We were attracted by the display of lights. v.intr. To possess or use the power of attraction. Favor defined as:

Published · 2,784 views

Do you know what an elevator speech is? An elevator speech is an introduction about your business that you can encapsulate in 30 seconds or less. The idea for this type of speech is based on the average length of time one spends in an elevator. The value of the elevator speech is not just when traveling from one floor to another however. Elevator speeches can be used in more situations than you may think which is why it is to your benefit to have one ready at a moment’s notice.

Published · 3,255 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

In our fast-paced and hectic world, the ability to be understood the first time you say it is imperative for your success. There is never enough time to accomplish what we need to do. Wasting both your time as well as that of your listeners is neither efficient nor profitable. To constantly repeat yourself so that others can understand what you are saying is demoralizing as well.

Published · 3,598 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

Whether you are looking for a job, firmly ensconced in one, or in the midst of starting your own business, improving the sound of your voice is something you might consider especially if the sound of your voice on recording equipment leaves much to be desired. Yes, it is unfortunate that we do not recognize our own voice on our voicemail; however, everyone else does. That is hard to swallow for many people.

Published · 3,517 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 3 votes

Some people talk fast, some talk too slowly, and some are moderate. In public speaking, those who speak at a moderate rate are the easiest to follow over any given length of time.

Published · 8,277 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Nothing is more embarrassing for a speaker than to be plagued with a voice that quivers, shakes, or skips an octave when standing at the lecte or the head of the conference table. It is a problem for many people and can easily be eliminated by taking control of your nervousness and speaking from your chest. And your reaction to those words is probably to question how you can possibly speak from your chest when everyone knows that you talk from your voice box, your throat, your mouth, and, in some cases, your nose.

Published · 3,663 views · Rated 3.3/5 from 4 votes

Some years ago, two radio broadcasters were studying voice improvement with me. One, in particular, wanted me to make him sound like Paul Harvey. Paul Harvey was an icon and an original in the radio business. Part of his greatness was his originality. Wanting to emulate this announcer was not what the young broadcaster should have desired. Wanting to be himself should have been his goal.

Published · 2,315 views

One of the requirements for dynamic speaking, whether it is at the lecte or just in normal conversation, is to be expressive when you talk. This is known as color and refers to your vocal variety, facial expression, and body language. All three elements work hand-in-hand to make your delivery more interesting.

Published · 3,167 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

When you think of voice training, your first thought may be that it is something for actors or politicians. Presently voice training is something more and more people are becoming aware of because of YouTube, webinars, and the marketing of themselves by means of video. In truth, video is one of your greatest marketing tools today.

Published · 3,043 views

When given the opportunity to speak, most people are so conce ed with their material and delivery, that little, if any, consideration is given to their audience. After finishing your speech or presentation, take notes on your audience and how receptive they were as well as your specific topic. Keeping this information updated in a program on your computer will do much to add to your success in public speaking.

Published · 2,923 views

I cannot tell you how many people I meet who tell me that they are losing their voice by the end of the day. When this occurs, often they have little, if any, voice the following morning. And, it is not just happening to those on the campaign trail. This type of vocal abuse is common among trainers, teachers, coaches, professional speakers, moms, and even those who spend much of their day on the phone.

Published · 5,835 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

Absolutely. While it may not seem possible to be both composed and nervous at the lectern, it is most definitely what happens when you take control of your nervousness and let it work for you and not against you. Therein lies the problem for many novice speakers.

Published · 3,642 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Do you find that people do not pay as much attention to you as you might wish? Does you voice trail off at the end of your sentences, leaving your listeners struggling to understand what you are saying? Maybe the sound of your voice is strident and irritating or perhaps you speak so softly that your words go unnoticed.

Published · 6,544 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

You have probably heard the statistics: when you meet someone in a face-to-face situation, 37% of the image you project is attributed to your speaking voice; 55% of your image is the visual and a mere 8% your content. Whether those percentages are true is not the issue. The issue is whether your voice speaks positively or negatively about your image.

Published · 3,292 views

If you speak in a monotone, there is only word to describe it: boring. That is not a very comforting thought if you care about the image you are projecting. A delivery without emotion or life means a message that will not be received. Your listeners may grasp the first of your thoughts; but, if you are talking for any great length of time, you will definitely put them to sleep. While they may not all take the opportunity to nap, you may notice a significant increase in the number of people studying their iPhones and not you!

Published · 3,580 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

DFW TEEN VOICE "Progress Moving Failure" BY Patricia Ross Founder of TEEN VOICE http://www.teenvoice.ws/ http://hubpages.com/hub/Progress-and-Moving-Forward-is-Failure-Tu ed-Around www.hubpages.com/hub/dfwteenvoicernr

Published · 1,540 views · Rated 5/5 from 2 votes

While fear of public speaking is the first major hurdle for many who must address an audience, breathlessness is most definitely the second. It is surprising how many people are affected by this easily remedied problem.

Published · 17,234 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

If you find that you are clearing your throat frequently when you speak, it may be a sign of vocal abuse. Ignoring it will not make the abuse go away because the process of talking is creating the problem. Therefore, the more you talk, the more you are irritating your throat and vocal folds (cords). While it is quite possible that post nasal drip or Gerd is the cause, I would suggest that you first go to a doctor and see if you have medical issues. If the physician finds no physiological reason for the irritation, then you need to change the way you are producing voiced sound.

Published · 3,125 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Consider the actors who have great voices: George Clooney, Cher, Vin Diesel, Julia Ormond, Kathleen Turner, Sean Connery, Peter Coyote, Morgan Freeman, Catherine Zeta Jones, Kate Beckinsale, James Earl Jones, Ashley Judd and the late great Barry White, to name a few. Now think about the voices of these actors: Don Johnson, Melanie Griffith, Fran Drescher, and Tom Cruise. None of the voices in the 2nd grouping are memorable, let alone sexy. Do you know what distinguishes the great voice from the not-so-great?

Published · 4,197 views

I am about to be politically incorrect. When you reach a certain point in life, however, you discover from experience that some generalizing is correct. From my many years teaching voice improvement, I have found that women tend to be more expressive in speaking. I have also discovered that women carry their stress differently than men. And, it is always interesting to see women’s reactions when I make the statement that men are not good listeners. The fact that your male’s strong suit is not listening can be explained in 3 ways.

Published · 4,387 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Oh, how I dislike the business lunch or dinner meeting in which everyone must stand and introduce themselves. What we tend to hear, one after the other, is a name, a profession, and a place of business that becomes sing-song after the 1st introduction. Not only is it spoken in a lilt, but everyone takes their voice up at the end of each statement so that it sounds like they are asking a question.

Published · 5,070 views

Radical Self Forgiveness As you know I’ve been writing and speaking about the Divine Feminine a lot lately. I always make a point to explain that this is a Feminine that we haven’t known before. It’s the Powerful Feminine. I’m not talking about women owning their power through masculine energies which is what we began to do during the feminist movement. The Divine Feminine is about embracing our womanhood and being empowered through it. Then we can actually become the Feminine Face of God.

Published · 1,843 views

Being a student of metaphysics for more than 25 years now, I’m a firm believe that we create our own experiences and reality. I’m incredibly optimistic and resilient, always expecting “things” to improve. The past two years have not been easy. The recent state of the economy and my own experience of loss in addition to reaching my 40’s provided a less than pleasant opportunity to evaluate my youthful dreams and desires and what had become at the time my current state of affairs. It was difficult to observe the glaring contrast that was reflected.

Published · 2,227 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Do you remember the first time you heard yourself on a recording? I do. The memory is seared into my mind. I was shocked. In fact, I was sure it was the fault of Sony and not of me!

Published · 2,859 views

Ah, the handshake. The handshake that is the 2nd or 3rd thing in which others will judge you. First in line is your visual image. What follows is often a handshake, your name, or both, as you introduce yourself. Have you ever considered the importance of your handshake and the image it presents? If your handshake is too strong, it may tell others that you are aggressive. Too weak and it says that you are a wimp. Neither handshake is appropriate. What you should be offering is a firm grip that neither overpowers the other person nor lays limp in their hand.

Published · 2,947 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

I don't know how to say this any clearer: But most people are lazy. (Not you, of course, I am talking about other people who are reading this article.) And being lazy is part of human nature. A body at rest; stays at rest… a body in motion yada, yada, yada… Anyway, the reaso I am asking is that I want to know what you are doing today towards reinventing yourself? I know, you have family commitments… work commitments… people tugging at you… and all you have want to do sometimes is to be left alone so you can work on what's vital to reaching your goals.

Published · 1,709 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

DFW Parents & Youth BY Founder Patricia Ross Teen Voice http://Teenvoice.ws I have saved my life by letting my Creator show me how to let go. Remember in the end of life what will we take with us? So, learn to let go and move forward with time on your side you will win. In life to leave unpleasant relationships, situations or circumstances behind is not easy. Is it easier to stay or go in a unpleasant relationship when it becomes toxic and you can't breath or think?

Published · 1,502 views

When I heard Dr. John Gray, author of the best-selling Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, talking about his book, Why Mars & Venus Collide, I found it interesting when he described the differences in how men and women handle stress as well as why the sexes treat stress differently.

Published · 2,937 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

If you are plagued by a great deal of stress on a daily basis, do you know what it is doing to your speaking voice? You are probably aware that it is affecting your sleep, your diet, your mental health, your physical health and your overall well-being. But what do you think it is doing to your voice? Possibly you notice a strangled sound or tightness in your jaw that becomes more apparent as the day wears on.

Published · 3,343 views

If there is one thing I would never recommend for the novice in public speaking, it would be to ‘wing it’ or, in other words, to speak without note cards or some form of visual aid. You must have something to help keep you on track. If, however, you have been speaking about the same topic for many, many years (as I have been doing), then I would leave that decision entirely up to you. - Trying to establish yourself as a professional speaker is not easy; and, ‘winging it’ will make that road much more difficult to navigate.

Published · 2,351 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

A lot of people ask me what they should do with their hands when they are addressing an audience. My answer to them is simple. “What do you do with your hands when you are talking to your family, your friends or your colleagues?”

Published · 2,393 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Whether it is for personal reasons or professional, improving the sound of your speaking voice is something people are becoming aware of because they realize it is part of the image they project. What does your voice (the one you hear on your answering machine) say about you?

Published · 2,265 views

Have you ever sat in an auditorium, hall, church, or theater and listened to the coughing, sniffling, shuffling of papers and overall restlessness of those in the audience during a rather dull presentation or speech? It happens and it happens when the speaker is not very dynamic. Too often, the person delivering a speech or presentation is frozen in one spot with an ashen complexion and a death grip on the lectern. If this scenario is typical of you, then rest assured your audience will do the moving for you!

Published · 2,320 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

In the past, you could afford to speak with a Brooklyn dialect because your business probably dealt with those who spoke the same way. Today, however, no matter where you live, business is global. What this means is that your clients and associates need to be able to understand your words. If not, your message is lost. With the lightning quick speed available because of the internet, prospective clients can come and go in the blink of an eye. If they are unable to understand you when you speak, then they are more likely to go and find someone else whose diction is clear and concise.

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You’ve been invited or requested to speak and while your immediate reaction may be debilitating fear, at some point, you begin to focus on your material and/or your delivery. My question to you is what is goal? Are you aware that unless you know your audience, your goal cannot be fully recognized? - Too often we are so conce ed about what we are going to say and how we are going to say it that we neglect our reason for speaking.

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One of the most frustrating things for a listener is not hearing what the other person is saying. They are listening but they’re not hearing. After repeated attempts asking the speaker to increase his/her volume, they stop listening. If you want others to hear your message, then you must learn how to increase your volume properly. Yelling is definitely not the answer. You have a normal, natural volume level that you have not been using for any number of reasons. 1. Possibly you were raised in a quiet household. 2. Your mother or father spoke softly.r

Published · 4,502 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

While there are various methods and suggestions as to how to make your voice deeper in pitch, the difference between those approaches and the one that is correct lies in the word make. As soon as you make your voice do something it shouldn’t, you are forcing it. When you force your voice into an unnatural, lower pitch, you begin the process of damage to your vocal folds (cords) and throat, also known as vocal abuse.

Published · 3,429 views

There is no doubt that women judge a man’s attractiveness by more than just his looks. Two qualities that the female sex takes note of are a man’s confidence and his voice. A deep, rich sound is definitely more alluring to her ears than a high-pitched, nasal whine or a weak and wimpy squawk.

Published · 6,033 views

Imagine the CEO of a company sounding like Fran Drescher in her role as “The Nanny” or the bimbo voice Melanie Griffith. Hard to imagine, isn’t it? In fact, when Melanie Griffith played in the movie “Working Girl” in which she takes over for her boss, she enrolls in voice training in order to sound more mature. One of the best means of improving your life is to discover your ‘real’ or true voice because the one you are presently using is probably not it. (Isn’t it a shame that Griffith didn’t keep that more mature sound in her real life?)

Published · 3,084 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

While we tend to equate nasality with New Yorkers, this issue is not just their problem. It is found in many parts of the United States and Canada as well. In the English language, there are 3 sounds known as nasals which should vibrate in your nose. They are the n, the m, and the ng sounds. Notice that true ‘nasal’ sounds are all consonants.

Published · 3,115 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

There is nothing more frustrating than listening to someone who speaks with an excess of nasal sound. In a study done some years ago on how people react to a nasal voice, it was reported that it is frequently associated with less-than-average intelligence and a sign of immaturity. Ridding yourself of excess nasal sound is not difficult; however, you will need to practice and retrain your inner ear to recognize the difference between what is nasal and what is not. (See my former article - Do You Know Which Sounds Are True Nasals? - in which I discuss both types of sound.)

Published · 14,308 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

Yes, we are a people very conce ed with the image we project. We exercise on a regular basis; we are more aware of the foods we are eating; we try to get a good night’s sleep. As women, we want to look good; and, as we age, we know it takes more work. Our clothing is of the latest fashion; we moisturize and wear makeup; and, our hair must make a statement as well.

Published · 2,218 views

Body language. The nonverbal communication of your body that can tell your audience you are speaking with confidence or cowardness, delight or disingenuity. Do you know which language your body is speaking? Something as simple as an arm gesture could be telling your audience one thing while your voice is saying something totally different. And, of course, no body language usually means no vocal variety which is always boring.

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It does not seem possible that this one commonality exists among so many people in public speaking. Whether it is for the presentation or the speech, it happens quite frequently and is both visible and audible to an audience. It may only occur in the opening; although, it often continues throughout one’s delivery. Without it, it is sometimes difficult to be heard. Do you have an idea what I am talking about?

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One of the most annoying traits among some public speakers, be they professional or novice, is verbal disfluency. According to Wikipedia, verbal disfluencies are, “any of various breaks, irregularities, or utterances that are often not consistent with any specific grammatical construction and occur within the flow of otherwise fluent speech." What is important to note is the fact that disfluencies interrupt smooth speech.

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If you are plagued by a great deal of stress on a daily basis, do you know what it is doing to your speaking voice? You are probably aware that it is affecting your sleep, your diet, your mental health, your physical health and your overall well-being. But what do you think it is doing to your voice? Possibly you notice a strangled sound or tightness in your jaw that becomes more apparent as the day wears on.

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Let’s face it your current “reality” is an effect of your thoughts. Therefore your current “reality” was created by your thoughts that you chose to hold in the past. Although your present moment is an effect of your past thoughts you can now create your future “reality” by your current thoughts. I put “reality” in quotations because our “reality” is different than other peoples based on our perception of it. I rarely use the word “reality” because it’s hollow and meaningless because everybody’s reality is different and changing according to one’s perception and perspective.

Published · 3,561 views · Rated 4.5/5 from 2 votes

When it comes to public speaking, it never ceases to amaze me how many people profess a desire to improve their presentation skills, learn how to create their material or script properly, and work on their delivery skills, yet never conce themselves with the sound of their speaking voice. In any form of communication, your voice is the vehicle for your words. Could your voice use some work? If you would like to improve the vehicle, I suggest the following 5 tips:

Published · 3,663 views · Rated 4.5/5 from 2 votes

You bet. Generally speaking, women make better audiences for one specific reason: they laugh more. Male audiences, on the other hand, are more difficult because of ego. And, it does not matter whether you, as the speaker, are male or female. The results are the same either way.

Published · 3,211 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

There are basic principles of humor that can enliven your talk. Perhaps the most important one is to avoid telling generic "funny stories," Instead, find and build more humor within the context of personal stories. To make your mark as a speaker… to get into the hearts and minds of your listeners… you must learn to develop engaging stories (that use humor effectively at the right time!)

Published · 1,949 views · Rated 4.7/5 from 3 votes

Humor and the Size of the Audience Welcome back to part II. In a group of ten or more, there is emotional protection and thus it is easier for someone to laugh. The jokes that work for a large group of people are those with generally accepted interests or conce s. Example: Here’s a no-brainer: During a Republican rally, making fun of Democrats or liberals always works ( and vice versa).

Published · 1,679 views · Rated 5/5 from 3 votes

We can control what we say and how we say it. But we cannot control what is heard. People hear through emotional biases and desires. Some people hear what we say and they agree. Other people hear our words, yet miss our meaning. And still others get upset by something they heard, but we did not say. When presenting more effective ways to do something there will always be someone in the room who has been doing it wrong. Not everyone is prepared to admit their mistakes. Not everyone cares. In fact, some people want to be offended. That is what they expected.

Published · 1,480 views

No matter how great your message or how powerful your delivery, have you ever considered the vehicle or instrument that is transporting your words? What does the sound of your speaking voice say about you? If you are over 21 and sound like a teen or preteen, do you know that you image you are projecting will not be one of maturity or confidence? On the other hand, having a voice that is reminiscent of your grandmother is most definitely giving the wrong impression of your age, especially if your grandmother is still alive!

Published · 3,047 views

Too often, novice speakers do not appreciate or make use of the pause because they are too intent on getting their speech or presentation over with as quickly as possible. The result for the audience is a barrage of constant verbiage which is exhausting for both the listeners and the speaker. Handled correctly, the pause is exactly the same in public speaking as it is in normal conversation. Everyone (or most everyone) pauses in conversation. We pause to breathe. We pause to gather our thoughts. Some of us even pause for effect.

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If you want to clearly get your message across in front of an audience, guess what? You can communicate in a very effective fashion with not only your words, but with other methods of communication that do not involve speech at all. Alright, now you're wondering how a speaker can speak to an audience without saying a word. The Sign of a Great Speaker To understand that I want you to think of the most successful speakers you may have encountered in your life. What was it about these speakers that left you remembering them, their words, the ideas they left you pondering?

Published · 1,934 views · Rated 4.3/5 from 4 votes

There's no getting around it: The moment you bound onto the platform or stage your credibility is at stake. And one way to cement your credibility is to master the art of Q & A (short for Questions and Answers) Look at how Q & A's are done on the political battlefields. Remember the Hillary and Obama debates? These seasoned political pros knew at any time “one slip up” can hurt them in the eyes of their audience (in the studio and at home watching.) It a nutshell: How you respond to an audience member's Q & A can undoubtedly haunt or help your career for a long time.

Published · 1,948 views · Rated 5/5 from 2 votes

Have you ever thought about speaking on cruise ships? Now, I’m not talking about chit chat at your assigned dinner table here. I am talking about standing in front of five hundred to a thousand people in a gorgeous show room (or smaller lounge) and sharing your passion and expertise on your subject. You? Yes, you! In fact, speaking engagements on ocean liners can involve all sorts of topics. You name it - -it could be anything from teaching a technical skill you have to sharing some fun on a subject you just happen to know a lot about.

Published · 2,205 views · Rated 4.5/5 from 4 votes

Often you can tell someone is lacking in confidence just by their posture or how they walk. Sometimes you can hear it in their voice or see it in their facial expression. It is even possible to feel their insecurity in the way they shake your hand.

Published · 2,722 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

Of all the articles written on public speaking, the most frequent subject deals with nervousness and how to get rid of it. And while you may find that you are able to eliminate those nervous jitters after the first 5 minutes of your presentation, the problem is that your audience judges you the moment you open your mouth to speak – not 5 minutes later, after you have ‘warmed up’.

Published · 2,977 views

New speakers (as well as audience members) occasionally approach me after one of my keynote presentations and ask me how I knew I wanted to be a speaker. Well, that is certainly a good question that has many answers. However, the one resounding theme that percolates inside my head as to why I love public speaking is the thrill of inspiring my audience where I can make a profound difference in their lives. I am not just talking about at the conference that I just spoke at. I am referring AFTER the event.

Published · 1,719 views · Rated 4.7/5 from 3 votes

Have you ever really sat down or studied what it takes to become and effective speaker? Well, to begin, you should first determine where you are in the speaking world. Do you want to be a professional speaker who makes this your livelihood? Are you a weekend warrior who does this part-time to make a few bucks and sell some product? Or are you a sales person or an executive who was asked to speak at a company meeting? No matter what type of speaker you want to evolve into -- you should determine what your dedication to the craft is.

Published · 1,674 views · Rated 5/5 from 3 votes

Does it ever feel to you that you have a little "devil" inside sabotaging your best efforts? This obscure part of you that wants the exact opposite of what you have desired for the longest time seems to be constantly lurking destroying any hope for your perfect life. This little part of you comes out at the most inopportune times to sabotage your best efforts. If you didn't know better you'd say you were crazy. We all have this at times. It may manifest for different people in different ways. It's this little devil that makes up your "core".

Published · 1,810 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Part I I loved the book and enjoyed the movie. I always enjoy books more as we get to get into the character’s head and share their experience from their perspective better than in a movie. I’m a sucker for stories about a woman coming into her own.

Published · 1,442 views · Rated 4.5/5 from 2 votes

One of the secrets of good public speaking is to know your material very, very well. You may not think it a secret but you would be surprised how many people approach the lectern, the stage, or the boardroom table and do not know their script. And, the only way that can happen is if you practice it out loud over several days or maybe even a few weeks in advance. How much practice you need is entirely dependent on how quickly you learn.

Published · 2,565 views

One of the little known secrets of a good voice training course is that it will change your life for the better, both personally and professionally. Yes, your confidence will be bolstered and you will certainly sound more mature, but the improvements in your life will go far beyond your voice. - The reason is because you will have to learn to breathe with the support of your diaphragm.

Published · 3,071 views

When you look into the sea of faces in your audience, have you noticed that there are some people who smile? Whatever the reason, every audience has smilers and they can be found throughout the room when you are speaking. It just happens. Whether you are presenting to 5 people or 500, there are always smilers and those are the ones that you should target during your talk.

Published · 2,438 views

Peter Fogel's "How to NOT to Compete With Food While Delivering a Speech or Presentation!" This truly could be the bane of any speaker's existence. Just think: You have to WOW your audience (who might never have seen you before)…. you have to deal with the set of the room (location of chairs and tables near platform) and NOW, you have the nightmare of having to deal with food that is being served. That said, when preparing to give a formal speech at a banquet (or any large gathering focused around a meal), experience has taught me you have make "a few adjustments."

Published · 1,807 views · Rated 5/5 from 3 votes

What many people may not understand about vocal abuse is that changing only one aspect of your vocal delivery will stop vocal abuse in its tracks. Done. Over. Finished. It is truly amazing when you realize that, aside from abuse which may be caused by certain prescriptive medications, chronic hoarseness, persistent sore throats and even loss of voice can be eliminated simply by changing where you place your voice.

Published · 2,223 views

Without a doubt, most people experience some type of nervousness in delivering a speech or presentation. It is normal; it is natural; and, in truth, it is beneficial. There are others, however, who are filled with such fear and dread at just the thought of public speaking, that panic ensues. When you absolutely, positively cannot stand and face an audience, you need more than a few tips to enable you to accomplish your goal. When I work with clients who have difficulty addressing a group of people, I take them through an exercise that is most successful. And it is simple, to boot.

Published · 3,006 views

Think about the last time you addressed an audience. It may have been a requirement for your job, for your presentation skills class, for Toastmasters, or for your leads group. Maybe you toasted the bride or groom or were introducing a guest speaker at your Rotary or Lions Club. What was the expression on your face? Did it say that you were glad to be there or was abject fear written all over it?

Published · 2,957 views

Eat… In the book/movie Elizabeth Gilbert begins her journey in Italy where she “has a relationship with her pizza”, which is quite funny and even helpful because she stopped beating herself up for what and how much she ate. This is a powerful demonstration of self-love…to a point. Italy was certainly Gilbert’s journey of self-indulgence without self-punishment.r

Published · 2,440 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

Comedian and actor Ben Stein has a wonderful shtick in which he speaks in a monotonous, sing-song style. His droll manner makes him a lot of money for the commercials he does as well as some of the parts he has played in movies. Watching him is entertaining because his lack of color or expression is what makes him so funny. Were he your minister or the guest speaker at your next event, however, this lack of emotion when speaking would become very tedious, very fast. If you have been told you speak in a monotone and question your lack of emotion, take the following test.

Published · 4,580 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

For all the years that I have been teaching people how to find their ‘real’ voice, what never ceases to amaze me are the numerous benefits that can result which have nothing to do with the speaking voice. The reason is simple; however, unless you are pointed in the right direction for finding the correct approach, those benefits will not be realized.

Published · 3,524 views · Rated 4/5 from 2 votes

While being overconfident in public speaking is not common, there are some who tell me that they are not nervous when standing at the lectern. My question to them is, “Why not?” If you do not experience nervous jitters, a racing heartbeat, or some bit of anxiety, then I pity your audience.

Published · 3,833 views

My first piece of advice is to relax and enjoy it. With a doubt, an all-female audience is much easier to address than an all-male audience. Women are quicker to voice their approval and to express laughter. And, it is their response to your words or your message that can boost your confidence and make your presentation that much easier and fun to deliver.

Published · 4,004 views

While it is definitely easier to speak to female audiences, you can have as much success with male audiences if you understand the differences between the two. In addition, knowing the makeup of the particular male audience you are addressing will be to your advantage.

Published · 3,385 views

You know the problem; however, you don’t know how to solve it. You have chronic hoarseness or a pain in your throat. Possibly you are losing your voice by the end of the day. And, one of the qualifiers with the above problems is that you are not sick. What is happening and what can you do about it? 1. The problem is known as vocal abuse. 2. It is caused by overuse of your speaking and/or singing voice. 3. It cannot go away on its own unless you stop talking and/or singing.

Published · 2,744 views

Ever drive a stick shift in a car? If you have, then you soon discovered if you don't use the clutch the right way (too fast or too slow -- or not at all), the gears will collide and you'll hear an annoying and scary grinding of metal. Most new teenage drivers know this hellacious sound. (And their fathers know this hellacious sound as they curse under their breath at the thought of having to get a new clutch job.)

Published · 2,005 views · Rated 5/5 from 2 votes

Pray Because not all of us can travel to an ashram in India to reconnect with ourselves and God we must, or should I say we have the opportunity, to reconnect in a more practical way. When we go away to reconnect to ourselves or to God we often associate our physical location with our ability to connect. Even though we have made the reconnection we still have to bring it back home with us eventually. That can be a challenge. It’s not unlike going to a motivational conference and getting all fired up only to return to your normal environment and lose all of your new found motivation.r

Published · 1,427 views · Rated 4/5 from 2 votes

EFT for Success Goals become a hot topic this time of year as we look back taking stock of the previous year and as we look forward to the New Year and what it is that we want to accomplish and how we want to improve our lives. I know many people have given up all hope when it comes to making New Year’s resolutions because they are tired of getting off to a great start only to fail in the coming months. But that only happens because this one element is missing. That one element is ….the DECISION.

Published · 1,692 views · Rated 3/5 from 2 votes

What is the ultimate goal that we can achieve? Is it money and things? Or is it items that money cannot buy? Like happiness, peace of mind, and truly feeling at peace with who we have become? The first half of my life I chased money. Even when I said money wasn’t the most important thing my actions proved otherwise. At the peak of one of my material climbs I lived in a seven-bedroom house on an acre of land with a horse corral. That huge lavish house was not a home.

Published · 1,534 views

William James, American psychologist, said, “There is but one cause of human failure. And that is man’s lack of faith in his true Self.” Maxwell Maltz, Canadian-bo American plastic surgeon and author of Psycho-Cybe etics, said, “Self-image sets the boundaries of individual accomplishment.” Your self-image contains your personal private views of who you believe you are, what you believe you can do, and what you believe your future contains. Here are three deadly errors easily made:

Published · 1,471 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

Everyone creates a mental house. It is a collection of mental images of where we are, who we live with, what we have done, where we are going, what’s holding us back and where we would rather be. George Be ard Shaw, Irish-bo British dramatist said, “The successful people in this world are those who get up and look for the circumstances they want. And, if they can’t find them, they make them.” Every major invention, every meaningful breakthrough, and every life enhancing organization was first just an idea - - just a thought - - in some person’s mind.

Published · 1,506 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

Love In part four of our own more practical Journey to Awakening we discuss Love. On her journey Elizabeth Gilbert finds love in Bali. If you read the book you know that Gilbert’s journey was about finding and defining herself. Until then Gilbert, like many of us, lost herself in her relationships. She would actually become the man she was with. This is can be a common occurrence among women as they seek to BE loved and in that seeking will become people (man) pleasers. Gilbert had become a man pleaser and had no clear definition of who she was.

Published · 1,860 views · Rated 4.7/5 from 3 votes

A lot of acting teachers believe that public speaking and acting are very similar and I would beg to differ. What I find more credible are the similarities between public speaking and conversation. Yes, in both cases, you are addressing an audience; but, that is where the similarities end. In acting, you are playing the role of another individual. And, your goal is not to interact with your audience but to entertain them. In public speaking, I would hope that you are entertaining as well, but your goal is to inform or persuade your audience and to be yourself, first and foremost.

Published · 7,269 views

You have a much more dynamic voice inside of you. You have a voice that is probably deeper in pitch than your habitual voice. You have a voice that is rich, warm and resonant. How can I say these things and be confident in my analysis of your voice without ever having heard you? Because the majority of people throughout the world power their voice by means of their throat and voice box. And, if you are part of the majority – which is 99% of the population – then you are unaware that by changing your voice placement, you could discover a voice that is truly your best asset.

Published · 1,856 views

Nothing is more distressing than for the person on the other end of the line to think you are a woman – or worse yet, to ask to speak to your mother – and you are a man. Rest assured that you are not alone but that does not make it any easier to bear. Being mistaken for a female over the phone is awkward but there is an answer to your problem. Why the pitch of your voice is so high is either because: 1. you have excessive nasality, which tends to make the voice higher-pitched than it actually is; or, 2. you are imitating a loved one whose pitch is also high.

Published · 3,058 views · Rated 5/5 from 1 votes

New speakers (as well as audience members) occasionally approach me after one of my keynote presentations and ask me how I knew I wanted to be a speaker. Well, that is certainly a good question that has many answers. However, the one resounding theme that percolates inside my head as to why I love public speaking is the thrill of inspiring my audience where I can make a profound difference in their lives. I am not just talking about at the conference that I just spoke at. I am referring AFTER the event.

Published · 2,279 views · Rated 4.5/5 from 2 votes

Have you ever really sat down or studied what it takes to become and effective speaker? Well, to begin, you should first determine where you are in the speaking world. Do you want to be a professional speaker who makes this your livelihood? Are you a weekend warrior who does this part-time to make a few bucks and sell some product? Or are you a sales person or an executive who was asked to speak at a company meeting? No matter what type of speaker you want to evolve into -- you should determine what your dedication to the art is.

Published · 1,618 views · Rated 4.5/5 from 2 votes

This truly could be the bane of any speaker's existence. Just think: You have to WOW your audience (who might never have seen you before)…. you have to deal with the set of the room (location of chairs and tables near platform) and NOW, you have the nightmare of having to deal with food that is being served. That said, when preparing to give a formal speech at a banquet (or any large gathering focused around a meal), experience has taught me you have make "a few adjustments."

Published · 1,488 views · Rated 5/5 from 2 votes

In order to establish yourself in the business of public speaking, you should begin contacting local clubs and organizations in your area as soon as possible. It is important to understand that the majority of those engagements will not be paid. In fact, at this stage, I would doubt that any of those invitations will offer you any monetary gain. Therefore, if you already have a job, it would be a good idea not to quit your place of employment just yet!

Published · 2,451 views

If you want a New Year’s Resolution that can improve your life, both professionally and personally, you might consider voice training. I am sure that you are questioning how this is possible. What is fascinating about the techniques for discovering your ‘real’ voice is that those techniques will directly influence a number of other aspects of your life. From better sleep to greater endurance, from less stress to lower blood pressure, voice training which prioritizes diaphragmatic breathing will do just that. It is truly a marvel how this works.

Published · 2,806 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

Different governments, officials, environmental agencies exhort us to conserve the energy we use in order to save the environment and sustain our continued existence on the planet. On a personal level, if you are serious about reinventing your career and life, then I think that you also need to know how to conserve, focus, and maximize our own personal supply of energy so you can reach your goals!

Published · 2,021 views · Rated 4/5 from 3 votes

If you are thinking of changing careers or reinventing yourself at your present job, (and you don’t think you’re up to the task), well here’s a survey you should know about. According to the University of Chicago study done on achieving goals — it was shown that those who relish challenge are more likely to live up to 10 years longer than those who spend their lives inhibited by timidity. (Apparently, this proves wrong the adage of working one’s self to death!)

Published · 1,541 views · Rated 5/5 from 2 votes

Okay, you've decided to go into business for yourself. You have some seed money to start your new business, but you know you need to get the word out to your targeted audience that you are open for "business". Problem is, your seed money can only buy a few plants. :) Well, lucky you. I am about to reveal a cool, low cost, (almost no cost) proven method do drum up clients and get them knocking on your door...

Published · 1,506 views · Rated 5/5 from 3 votes

If you are a mumbler, the chances are you a man. I know; I know. While generalizing may not be politically correct, from my vast experience and background, I have found that mumbling is more common among men – especially tall men; whereas, women tend to get lockjaw. The problem for those of us who have to listen to a mumbler is that we cannot understand you. And, if we don’t understand you, there are only so many times that we will ask you to repeat yourself before taking over the conversation. If you expect to be heard, you must break this habit.

Published · 4,324 views · Rated 2/5 from 1 votes

Recently, I read about a pill you can take to eliminate your nervousness in public speaking. I was floored! Why would you take a pill to get rid of that which is so beneficial when delivering a speech or presentation?

Published · 6,394 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

If you find others recoiling when you speak, it could be that you talk too loudly. While those who speak too softly far outnumber those who are too loud, the difficulty with the loud voice is that it is offensive to your listener’s ears. How loud is too loud? If you have been told that you are shouting or have been requested to speak more softly, then it would be a wise decision to learn how to decrease your volume. This would involve retraining your inner ear to know when you are speaking with too much volume.

Published · 5,271 views · Rated 3.5/5 from 2 votes

In addressing an audience, it is important to have researched your topic and to know your material extremely well. This is a no-brainer. However, is it possible to know everything about your topic? If you are young and new to the public speaking world, probably not. Even those with a lot of experience may not know everything there is to know about their particular topic.

Published · 5,565 views · Rated 4/5 from 1 votes

You have prepared your material and practiced it out loud. You are comfortable making eye contact with your audience and you speak with emotion, life and animation. Everything is a go or is it? Have you ever considered the vehicle that is transporting your message? Do you place any value on your speaking voice?

Published · 1,785 views · Rated 4/5 from 2 votes

If you are plagued with a voice that sounds like a teenager (or even younger), have you ever considered a course in voice improvement? Sounding like a teen or preteen when you are 21 is one thing – sounding young or childish when you are over 21 and possibly looking for a job or a promotion is an entirely different ball game however.

Published · 6,715 views · Rated 3/5 from 1 votes

As we embark on another new year and a new beginning many of us are taking stock of the past year and how we would like to improve upon ourselves and our circumstances in the year to come. This is a time many begin to make New Year’s resolutions, set new intentions or new goals. This can be a daunting task and it can become overwhelming as we look at the many changes we may want to make.

Published · 1,276 views

Dr. David Hawkins, psychiatrist, physician, and spiritual teacher, said, "Make a gift of your life and lift all mankind by being kind, considerate, forgiving, and compassionate at all times,in all places, and under all conditions, with everyone as well as yourself. This is the greatest gift anyone can give." At all times, in all places, under all conditions? What a tall order. Isn’t that beyond reasonable reach?

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When you look at your assets and liabilities in the business world, have you ever considered that your soft-spoken voice is not an asset but indeed a liability? If others cannot hear you, your message is not being received. Volume is a very tricky dynamic. A voice that is too loud is offensive, overbearing and uncomfortable for your listeners’ ears. One that is too soft, on the other hand, shouts timidity, lack of confidence, and is hard for your listeners to grasp.

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