The Vocal Hack Podcast

In this conversation with our guest Nirish we explore the intersection of design, communication, and human connection, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, creative courage, and meaning.

We explore the power of 'Yes, And' and 'Yes, But' techniques in communication, drawing parallels to design thinking and the impact of AI on human connection.

Takeaways

• Design is communication
• Voice shapes perception and connection
• Storytelling techniques influence message delivery 'Yes, And' and 'Yes, But' techniques are powerful tools in communication
• AI impacts human connection and the need for intentional divergence and convergence in thinking processes

Chapters

• 00:00 The Intersection of Design and Communication
• 07:00 The Power of Voice and Communication
• 19:07 The Impact of Storytelling on Message Delivery
• 25:32 The Power of 'Yes, And' and 'Yes, But'
• 26:29 Design Thinking and Communication
• 28:06 The Impact of AI on Human Connection
• 29:24 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Communication

Special Guest:

Nirish Shakya is a human-centred design consultant, educator and coach. Originally from Nepal, he has helped organisations and teams across Australia, Asia and Europe create more meaningful and impactful customer experiences by building human empathy, creative courage and evidence-driven decision-making in high-pressure, high-politics environments.

He is a lecturer at General Assembly London and the Berghs School of Communication Stockholm where he teaches how to design products and services through playful curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. He is also the founder of Unthinking Space, a platform that helps high-performing professionals unwire inherited scripts, experiment with new identities and reconnect with what truly matters.

Contact details:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nirishshakya/
Newsletter: https://unthinking.space/newsletter/

Podcast jingle created by Malik Elmessiry.

Check out his work at https://malikelmessiry.com/

How can we learn from great communicators without losing our own identity? We discuss the balance between inspiration and imitation, and why finding your own voice matters.

Takeaways

• Authenticity in communication creates emotional connection and coherence.
• Borrowing inspiration from others is valuable, but copying identity leads to disconnection.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Desire to Sound Like Someone Else
• 01:32 The Impact of Imitation on Communication
• 03:03 Authenticity and Emotional Connection
• 05:13 The Power of Borrowing vs. Copying
• 07:16 The Courage to Embrace Authenticity
• 08:31 Evolution of Authentic Voice

Podcast jingle created by Malik Elmessiry.

Check out his work at https://malikelmessiry.com/

A great voice starts long before you speak.

In this episode, we explore how sleep influences vocal quality, emotional regulation, presence, and communication performance.

Additionally, it provides a quick reset for fatigue and simple shifts for better sleep.

Takeaways

• Sleep is a powerful tool for communication and vocal performance.
• Protecting sleep and creating a wind-down routine are essential for vocal health and performance.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Power of Sleep
• 01:52 Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Voice
• 03:00 Benefits of Well-Rested State
• 04:01 Quick Reset for Fatigue
• 05:42 Simple Shifts for Better Sleep

Podcast jingle created by Malik Elmessiry.

Check out his work at https://malikelmessiry.com/

Stress, constant busyness, and overstimulation don't just affect your wellbeing, they affect your voice too. Discover how modern life shapes the way we communicate and why slowing down can make you a more effective speaker.

Takeaways

• Fast-paced living affects voice communication and relationships
• Rest, breathing, and silence directly influence the quality of voice and interactions

Chapters

• 00:00 The Impact of Fast-Paced Living
• 02:53 The Role of Pauses in Communication
• 05:04 The Influence of Social Media
• 09:01 The Importance of Rest, Breathing, and Silence

Podcast jingle created by Malik Elmessiry.

Check out his work at https://malikelmessiry.com/

Is coffee really bad for your voice? We separate myth from reality and explore how caffeine affects hydration, energy, vocal performance, and the nervous system.

Podcast jingle created by Malik Elmessiry.

Check out his work at https://malikelmessiry.com/

Takeaways

• Coffee affects individuals differently based on their body's reaction and tolerance.
• Balancing coffee consumption with hydration is important for vocal health.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Impact of Coffee on Vocal Health
• 04:00 Individual Experiences with Coffee
• 06:49 Cultural and Social Aspects of Coffee Consumption
• 11:18 Balancing Coffee Consumption with Hydration

AI is transforming the world of voice training.

bBut can it replace a vocal coach?

We discuss the opportunities, limitations, and future of AI-powered voice tools, and why human expertise still matters.

Podcast jingle created by Malik Elmessiry.

Check out his work at https://malikelmessiry.com/

The podcast episode features Savio Meireles, a strategic advisor and storytelling expert, discussing the role of storytelling in business strategy and audience perception. The conversation covers the origin of the podcast, Savio's work, the impact of storytelling on strategy, personal storytelling, values in strategy, delivery and body language, active listening, human storytelling vs. AI, and a presentation tip to slow down.

Takeaways

• Strategic storytelling in business
• The impact of storytelling on audience perception

Podcast jingle created by Malik Elmessiry.

Check out his work at https://malikelmessiry.com/

Your breath is the foundation of your voice. In this episode, Joana and Assumpta explore how breathing affects vocal power, confidence, presence, and communication. Discover common breathing mistakes, practical exercises, and simple ways to use your breath to sound more grounded and impactful in everyday conversations and public speaking.

Takeaways

• Breath is the foundation of voice
• Breath control enhances voice quality

Find out more about us: https://vocalhack.com

Podcast jingle created by Malik Elmessiry.

Check out his work at https://malikelmessiry.com/

In this episode we discuss the 3 most common mistakes in speaking: upspeak, rushing, and bad posture. These mistakes impact the speaker's confidence, trustworthiness, and overall message delivery. We show you how to spot and improve them to make you ready for your next high stake situation.

Takeaways

• Upspeak undermines confidence
• Rushing affects message delivery
• Posture influences voice and confidence

Find out more about us: https://vocalhack.com

Podcast jingle created by Malik Elmessiry.

Check out his work at https://malikelmessiry.com/

Joana and Assumpta debunk the myth of natural talent in communication, emphasizing the trainable nature of the voice. They discuss the importance of breath control, vocal exercises, pitch glides, articulator training, and muscle memory in voice training, highlighting the significance of consistency and dedication in achieving results.

Takeaways

• Voice is a muscle
• Consistency beats intensity

Find out more about us: https://vocalhack.com

Podcast jingle created by Malik Elmessiry.

Check out his work at https://malikelmessiry.com/