The human voice is truly amazing. Each voice is unique and has thousands of capabilities. But unfortunately we often forgot about our voice or even take it for granted. Stress, old habits, our cultural origins, health, and even living environment can sometimes lead to unclear, inexpressive speech or even vocal problems.
A GREAT ASSET - Especially now, in this global age, we need to be heard and understood. Our voice and speaking style can be a deciding factor in how we come across both professionally and personally. Luckily the voice is also a miraculous instrument, which, when used to its full potential, can be one of our greatest assets.
NON VERBALS - It is not only the words and subject matter, but also the so called non-verbals - the voice together with body language and appearance - that make an impression. Even if your content is really well prepared, your voice and the way you speak is crucial to conveying it in a clear, convincing way.
By making the most of your full vocal power with professional voice-coaching and training, you can imbue your story, pitch or presentation with personality and passion and bring your conversation or content to life.
I give voice coaching to people who not only need to speak for their profession in business, leadership, academia and research, but in all walks of life.
In a safe environment, I encourage experimentation with the endless possibilities of vocal dynamics, pitch, range and colour. You will discover a rich scala of melody, nuances, emotions, energies and expression in your voice. This can lead to more confidence for lecturing and conferences; for webinars or podcasts; for self-assured presentations or simply socializing.
Learn and practice the Clear Voice Coaching methods to develop vocal presence and a clear, connected way of speaking so you can convey your message in a way that´s not only really heard but that is genuine and true to you.
In stress situations or after an illness, healthy voice-production and breathing can suffer; vocal problems in the form of tensions and compensatory habits can arise. However, with voice coaching, speech and voice-problems, for example vocal-fatigue, breathiness, a too soft, loud or nasal voice and even vocal fry, can often be solved quite simply.
We use techniques from the voice training, acting, speaking and stage professions combined with posture, embodiment, movement and relaxation methods. These exercises playfully coordinate the voice, breath and body, releasing tension and activating the correct muscles for effortless speaking and vocal clarity. At the same time, vocal-stamina and healthy voice-production for public speaking or presenting are built up.
Do you have problems being understood by colleagues and listeners, or your clients on the phone or online?
If you have a strong regional accent or speak English as a second or third language, your cultural heritage could result in unclear speech.
With specific voice coaching, facial muscle and breathing exercises for accent reduction, it is possible to develop clear speech and good articulation. Your colleagues will appreciate being able to fully understand you without you losing the charm of your original heritage or local colour.
In the last decades some speaking trends have become prevalent, for example vocal fry or creaky voice. This sounds as if the voice gives way at the end of sentences and fades into a kind of raspy creak.
We learn to speak by copying, so with frequent exposure to certain, sometimes unnatural ways of speaking, through social media and popular entertainment - we emulate without even realising.
With vocal fry the speaking mechanism is not being used in the way nature intended: to phonate optimally, producing a clear sound which can be heard, even over long distances. Over a period vocal fry can actually disturb this mechanism in an unhealthy way.
But the good news is - it´s possible to retrain the muscles and speaking mechanism with voice coaching, and eliminate unconscious speaking habits.