Public Speaking Skills

Breaking Your Rules, Freeing Your Voice

Breaking Your Rules, Freeing Your Voice

Mental permissions have a distinct impact on the vocal range you produce. The voice is a peculiar thing -  our sense of identity is tied up in it. How do we expand our sense of what is possible? Releasing tension is a process of vocal training, often, but integration is a function of working with your mind.

Let's think about this: as a child, you could flatten a restaurant with one big howl.  It took very little effort. As an adult, it takes BIG effort to project your voice so freely, and yet your muscles are technically stronger. What gets in the way of the voice being powerful and effortless as we age?

Communication Challenges for Non-Native English Speakers (ESL)

Communication Challenges for Non-Native English Speakers (ESL)

We tend to carry over the melody of our mother tongue into the new language, which causes confusion....

Are your speeches like Hospital Pudding?

Are your speeches like Hospital Pudding?

Speaking well should be a part of a business plan, as a part of supply chain for ideas.  Speaking in a town hall is the essence of managing the water cooler conversations for the next two weeks.  

The only reason people don't walk out on some speakers is the same reason that you eat pudding in a hospital.  You eat pudding because it's the only thing in front of you.  Given better options, that pudding would be in the garbage.

Can't be heard, even with a microphone? Losing your voice?

Can't be heard, even with a microphone? Losing your voice?

People having a hard time hearing a speaker even when they are using a microphone.  Differentiating between projection, power, and volume.

Vocal Strain, how to solve it. Racing and speaking too quickly. Concerns for public speakers who are straining their voices repeatedly or who are hard to hear even with a microphone.

Top Five Most Annoying Vocal Habits

Top Five Most Annoying Vocal Habits

Vocal Fry became popularized as being 'normal' when the Kardashians lit up the screen. Is that a problem?  Well, it's not a problem if you like the idea of your abdominal wall and pelvic floor flapping in the breeze like some lost plastic grocery bag on a windy day.  

Why are Voice Exercises so WEIRD?

Why are Voice Exercises so WEIRD?

WHY ARE VOICE EXERCISES SO WEIRD?

Typically voice exercises engage intrinsic muscles and re-educate them, in relationship to producing your voice.  Most people haven’t gotten in touch with those structures since they were about 2-5 years old, so they now exist below the level of the conscious mind.  All those cute things babies do Baabaabaaa etc?  Yeah, they are trying to get a handle on how to use their body, and how to produce sound, and they are working HARD to figure it out!

 

Teddy Bear Problems: Mumbling and Hiding

Teddy Bear Problems:  Mumbling and Hiding

Men who shoot up rapidly ahead of their peers in their teens, often end up almost scaring themselves with their new, HUGE voice.

...Teddy Bears are often very kind people, who just really, didn't want to hurt their tiny little friends in their teens.  The vocal habits of a Teddy Bear often include mumbling, being hard to hear, slurred speech, or timid speaking styles.

There is a way to embrace the full resonance of your voice, and your presence, and use your full height...