🌍 From the opera stage to the boardroom.
Laura Baxter shares insights from 30+ years of performance and coaching, revealing how mastering your voice and presence can transform how you're seen and heard—whether facing journalists or leading through uncertainty.Qualities of Ideal Clients (00:07:05 - 00:07:47)
Laura Baxter notes that one quality she values in clients is curiosity and a genuine interest in learning about how voice, body, and space work to “own the stage.” It’s more challenging to work with someone who believes they already know everything. She admits she often works with people with big egos but sees ego size, qualifications, or credentials not as barriers, but potentially as advantages.

Voice Control in Crisis Situations (00:09:03 - 00:09:38)
Laura discusses the importance of voice control, particularly in challenging or crisis situations. She stresses that deep breathing is essential to control the voice and avoid letting emotions interfere with clear and coherent speech. A shaky or insecure voice can signal vulnerability and stress, making a person more open to attacks. Therefore, voice control is a crucial aspect of crisis management, helping maintain calm and authority during difficult moments.

Breathing and its Impact on the Voice (00:09:41 - 00:10:10)
Laura explains that she works with clients to understand how the body functions in deep breathing, emphasizing that this is often the opposite of what most people believe. She refutes the idea of fast, shallow breathing, explaining it lifts the larynx and results in a tense, pressured voice that can even “break.” To illustrate, Laura gives a practical example, demonstrating how shallow breathing makes her voice sound strained and pressed.

Crisis Communication Strategies (00:12:50 - 00:14:07)
Laura discusses the importance of communication in crisis situations, emphasizing two key aspects. First, embedding the intended message within a secure and confident physical presence—controlling voice, mindset, and maintaining a positive demeanor to inspire trust. Second, she addresses hostile audiences, like journalists asking tough questions after a critical event. Here, she recommends two strategies: defining a clear, concise central message to consistently communicate and preparing for various question scenarios to ensure a calm and confident response.

Handling Difficult Questions in Presentations (00:14:08 - 00:15:19)
Laura talks about dealing with difficult questions during presentations. She stresses the importance of always returning to the core message, regardless of the question’s nature. A crucial mindset shift is assuming the question is sincere rather than a provocation, which helps avoid a defensive reaction. Her strategy involves evaluating the connection between the question and the main message. If there is a link, offer relevant information; if not, steer the conversation back to the central message. Ana Maria adds her experience with CEO training, suggesting further discussion on the topic.

Impostor Syndrome and Insecurity in Leadership Roles (00:20:42 - 00:21:41)
Laura addresses the psychological dynamics that can impact leadership performance. One major factor is impostor syndrome—the feeling that success is undeserved and due to luck or deceit, rather than actual competence. This internal insecurity can lead to doubt and the feeling of not belonging in critical discussions with stakeholders. It’s vital for individuals to connect their personal values with their role before entering such situations. Whether their success stems from hard work or other factors, insecurity can persist—even after well-earned promotions—highlighting the need for anchoring oneself in personal values to counteract these feelings. The discussion recalls a previous conversation on this topic held at Davos.