In this podcast, I talk about how to develop stage presence for public speaking.  This could be a metre square piece of carpet in your office, behind a podium in a large conference centre, or even in the bar after work.  By changing the way you stand and hold yourself when speaking will affect how you sound and come across to your audience.

Speaking anxiety is a very real thing, in fact, it has a name; ‘Glossophobia’ Individuals who have fear of speaking publicly suffer from strong fear in social performance situations and social sphere. (Stein, Walker, & Forde, 1996).  

Causes of stage fright: The experience we have when asked to make a presentation or before speaking at a conference is primal, and comes from our ‘fight or flight’ response, which is ingrained deeply into our DNA. The body releases Adrenaline to counteract and control the fear, but of course, we don’t need to run away from animals anymore…

5 ways to change how you speak  

We use our voice every day, but more importantly, you need it in your business. Talking to clients and colleagues, in meetings and presentations, your voice is your number one communicator and is key to your influence and impact, whatever industry you’re in.  

My work as a voice and presentation coach has led me to believe that anyone can improve their voice, and with the correct tools and the use of simple but effective exercises, you’ll discover a new level of speaking. 

Your voice will develop more resonance, a larger dynamic range, better clarity and overall presence, giving you more confidence and authority when you speak.  Here are 5 things you can do to change the way you speak and more importantly, how you’re perceived...

Here's a sample of an interview I did recently with champion 'Speaker Coach' Bob Ferguson where we talked about his concept called 'Sprints and drags' to keep the listener on the edge of their seats, which I would have been if my seat wasn't so comfortable...

Or, do you or know someone that does? It can sound grating, and generally lacks tone and dynamics.  One thing I see and hear often with students or just speakers in general, is that they speak from the Larynx, which can be tiring and sound strained.  What you might not realise is that there are a lot more areas of resonance that you can tap into (literally), which will give you more projection and colour to your voice.

Are you someone that can't be heard in meetings, on the phone, or even in the pub?  You're probably not connecting the sound to the words!  This exercise will open up your voice and help you communicate more effectively with others, and give you more confidence when speaking in public.  Sing part of your presentation on one note (intoning), then speak it. The sustained breathing you need when singing helps to bring out the sound or the tone of your voice. You'll create a warm deeper tone to your voice, creating more empathy with your clients and audience.  Do this with different pitches, always keeping the throat open

Do you find that you are short of breath when you speak, or perhaps you run out of breath too quickly?  Controlling your breath when you speak is key to creating an engaging and credible voice!  This vocal exercise will help you to lengthen your phrases, vary those phrases and create more resonance and dynamics in your voice, thus engaging with your audience.  

A difference in speech pattern will change the intention behind your words.  

Conversational speech is different to giving a presentation, speaking on the phone or recording a pitch to video What things might you consider when speaking at a conference for instance?  

Intonation 

Your intonation (your pitch pattern) will keep your audience engaged. There’s nothing worse than listening to someone speak in a quiet, monotonal voice about health and safety!! Vary the pitch like in normal conversational speech, but still with the required intensity. 

Projection and volume 

You want to be heard, so projection and volume is key, especially if you're speaking to a room of 500 people.  Projection is created by finding the right resonance in certain areas of your body, such as the mask, and visualising a place to aim your voice at, where as volume is the loudness of your voice, which comes form the correct Diaphragmatic support plus resonance in the chest cavity. 

You'll need a certain amount of dynamics (changes in volume) and projection to communicate your message.  There is however, a lot to be said about the conversational style speaker. 

Someone who has a natural stage presence, a deep knowledge of their subject and an immediate rapport with the audience as long as you can hear them, can be extremely engaging!

Find Jimmy on social media: 

https://www.jimmycannon.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/JimmyCannonsingerandvoicecoach/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmycannonsinger/

“I never thought about my voice as an instrument before…”  One of my recent delegates said when I asked her for some feedback on a recent training session. 

When musicians perform, we Interpret the music on the score, which outlines the composer's intentions and vision for the piece. What is your, or your company's vision, and can you communicate this to your clients and colleagues?  

If you’re a solo performer you have slightly more freedom in that interpretation; your phrasing, sound and style can be more individual than if you were in an ensemble, where the synchronisation of these elements is required. A common ethos… one voice.  

Is your company presenting the same message?   What are your company's values? A band, ensemble, or orchestra will have it’s own values based on an appreciation of the style and genre of the music played. It’s period and place… it’s roots. Conversations will have been had regarding the details of a groove, a cadenza, or an arrangement, which will lead to an identity and sound for the group.  

Music in its highest form is an extremely powerful medium, and can affect hearts and minds literally and emotionally. How are you or your company making a difference and engaging with people on an emotional level and perhaps challenging their values?

“I never thought about my voice as an instrument before…”

One of my recent delegates said when I asked her for some feedback on a recent training session.