Voice & Speech Newsletter


Presentation Power

Cultivating a Commanding Presence

I have long believed the whole point of presentation is to make a connection. Whether you’re speaking to persuade, to inform, to sell or to entertain, if you fail to connect with your listeners you’re not effective. To make that connection you must be fully engaged and available. You must be open. Tension, bad habits, nervousness, lack of technique—all these factors tend to close doors right at the moment you need to be opening doors. My years of coaching experience have proven there are two physical elements crucial for open, powerful communication: grounding and breathing.

Grounding simply involves your connection to the ground and your awareness of being supported by the ground. With this awareness, your body relaxes down onto the ground and your breath drops deeper into your body. Your voice sounds lower and you feel as though you are speaking with your whole being. It is one of the simplest things to practice and has a profound effect on your communication. Grounding alone can make you look relaxed, sound strong and feel confident as a speaker.

Breathing deeply is the closest thing to a silver bullet in a public speaker’s arsenal. There is almost no end to the list of things that improve if you learn to breathe well, and most common problems presented by my clients are in some way connected to breathing. The in-breath connects you to your message and makes you expressive. The out-breath provides power, lending impact to what you say. The ability to open yourself easily and fully as you inhale and to spend breath generously as you speak out will transform your performance.

Whenever I evaluate a speaker, the first two questions I ask myself are, “Is she grounded,” and, “Is she breathing?”





Recommended Video




 

Your Strong Voice

Strategies for developing a strong, confident and authoritative voice.




Events




 

Sound of Success: Vocal Gym

Develop a powerful and authoritative voice that commands attention, respect and closes deals, in as little as four weeks.

Date and Time: Tuesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Location: 434 Queen St East, Toronto, ON



Free SpeechMaster Class

Date and Time: Wednesday, June 13th, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: 434 Queen St East, Toronto, ON
Guest Instructor: Dr. Eilenna Denisoff, CBT Associates of Toronto
Topic: Unleashing Your Best Self







Tip

Standing with your weight on one leg makes you look shorter and less authoritative. Rocking makes you look uncertain and less confident. Pacing makes you look aimless and less focused. Stand on both feet, placed 6-8 inches apart, with your weight equally distributed. You’ll look and feel taller, stronger and more professional.

 



Voice & Speech

434 Queen St. E., Toronto
416-922-6384 | voiceandspeech.com




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