This is the article that should have been posted on 12th July.
I think we should take note of this - there is nothing worse, for me that is, than having the strong dynamic visual turned on it's head as the person opens their mouths to speak and emit this squeak of a voice - terrible! I lose all focus at this point. We all need to learn how to speak properly in order to have the best auditory results!
You are competent, sassy and successful. Yet boardroom success feels elusive, leadership feels tenuous and every time you speak it sounds like someone with self-esteem issues has just hijacked your throat! These days we find listening difficult. We have grown tired of the clutter of meaningless words in our modern world and we are desensitised by the endless information blasted at us. It is a startling ray of light then when someone actually says something inspirational, something that brings the proverbial light bulb moment alive. If you want to be that someone, its time to learn how!
An authentic, self-assured voice generates successful personal branding and is key to realising your potential. Successful people know that how you communicate is just as important as what you communicate. The first impression you make is with your voice and controlling how you sound opens up a world of communication success. It's not enough to look good and know your stuff; you need to sound good to make a real impact. Yet what does the voice of a true leader entail, what is a truly authentic voice? We often believe as women that in a "male-dominated" business world our voices have to sound as assertive and powerful as male voices to compete, or even just to be heard. However, in my experience of coaching business leaders, I have realised that leadership requires something more.
In an interview Jules Newton, a dynamic MD, put it well when she said that finding her true voice within her company is more challenging than any high-powered presentation or boardroom sales pitch. I believe what becomes crucial for the success of a leader is a voice that is true to the kind of leader you are, or want to be. It is a voice that is integrity with you. When you are asked to inspire, contribute, and lead, knowing your true voice and being in command of it is a potent skill to hold. It can make the difference between having a real impact in this world or making a contribution that is quickly forgotten. Can you honestly say that you are allowing yourself to create the space to speak your truth, or are you simply telling people things in the manner you think they want to hear them? Simple vocal exercises can be a vital part of this process of self discovery. Your exploration of these issues can deeply enhance your relationship with your voice and your potential as an inspirational leader. I have come to discover and passionately believe through my experience of coaching voices in the Dynamic Voice Programme, developing your relationship with your voice is a symbolic and powerful step to speaking your truth as an individual. It moves far deeper than sounding great in the boardroom, it moves into finding your authentic voice. Great leaders and role models have accessed theirs and that is the kind of voice we should be striving to share with the world!
Juliette Jenner is a Voice Coach Neuro-Linguistic Programming practitioner.
For more information contact her on 082-771-7911 or jennerstar@mweb.co.za
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