3 ways to enhance Vocal Presence

“I don’t like how I sound!”

?“I don’t like my voice.”

“I never listen to my recordings.”

??“I sound so flat.”

These are some of the statements that coachees come in with during the first session of VOICE coaching. One of the main reasons that the coaching sessions are one on one is, it allows the coachee to stay authentic & s/he does not feel judged.?Many of my coach friends think that I am not being wise by not having group coaching sessions. I choose however to do it “one on one” because this journey with finding my voice has personally been an empowering one for me. ?There are so many vulnerable moments in the sessions which is a release for a lot as they realize, the thoughts which may have been feedback they had received that have bound them.

Each one of us is on a journey that has only been made special with our connections to the self. Our thoughts are articulated through our voice & sometimes it is all about a few checks ?& balances which straighten a lot of those confused thoughts that we have about ourselves. ?Vocal presence is such an underestimated element of the Being. While we all focus on grooming there is a lot that happens once the first impressions are made. Vocal Presence is your Being expressed with your VOICE. Ironically such an ignored element in communication.

Your Voice matters! So does your Vocal Presence. How you overcome the challenge of changing your voice is by practice. It is important for us. We all know 38% of oral communication is your Vocal Presence or HOW you say what you say. Do you give it that much importance & time while prepping for a presentation? We all talk but very few amongst us leave an impact. Those who do, have really worked on how they deliver.

The three basic elements that enhance your Vocal Presence are:

BREATH:

The way you breathe plays an important role in the way your Voice is carried. The throw of your voice is far more powerful when the breathing is from the diaphragm. It is a conscious way to breathe and be aware of the self. Deep breathing brings in a calmness that is understood only when experienced. Try deep slow breathing at least twice in the day & see how much your voice alters! Deep breaths create magic in the body. BREATHE CONSCIOUSLY as many times as you can! It is healing.

“Deep breaths are like little love notes to the body.” Unknown

SMILE:

The power of a smile while speaking is so underestimated.?The smile you know is complete when it reaches the eye. A genuine one stays long on your face and remains there as you speak. It automatically shows that you are in control of what you are saying & confident in your being. It is prime to break ice fastest with your audience, both virtually & face to face. It is your biggest blessing as a human, FLAUNT IT!

“Because of your smile, you make?life?more beautiful.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

EYE CONTACT:

?This is such a powerful way to understand so many things that go unsaid in your communication. It also gives you a feeler of how the audience is responding to you. This is something that will perennially remain the biggest way to connect to two or more people who are communicating. It is the best non-verbal cue that connects without the exchange of words. USE IT!

?“Sometimes you have to disconnect to stay connected. Remember the old days when you had eye contact during a conversation? When everyone wasn’t looking down at a device in their hands? We’ve become so focused on that tiny screen that we forget the big picture, the people right in front of us.”?― Regina Brett

Consciously build these habits in your everyday routine & see how much alter in both your VOICE & Vocal Presence.

Grateful to Sai C.N.G. Blackbyrn for the award from the Coaching Foundation.

I continue this meaningful journey with immense satisfaction as a VOICE coach enhancing both the Voice & Vocal Presence of my coachees.

Do try these methods & let me know if you have something you would like to add. If you need a one-on-one you can find the link on my profile to fix up a mutually available time to discuss whatever doubts you have.

P.S.: The first Sunday of February is celebrated as India Multiple Sclerosis Day (India MS Day). This year it will be on February 5, 2023, and it is the only awareness-raising campaign all over India. The theme for this year’s India MS Day is “Celebrate MS”.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the Central Nervous System, affecting its functioning unexpectedly and repeatedly, resulting in devastating disabilities in young people in the prime of their lives. It is also known as the “Crippler of the Young Adult”.

You can listen to all about MS & MSSI( Multiple Sclerosis Society of India ) this Friday on "U n' I with Rashmi Shetty" as I speak to Ms. Ann Gonsalez & Smitha to find out what the celebration in Chennai will be about!

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SELFI is a newsletter where I share my reflections on life. Moments where some simple elements stayed on to create a SELFI moment! Moments that force the?#voiceinme?to express. Do subscribe if you like what you read & do share it with anyone you think will benefit!

I also host an award-winning weekly human library audio podcast called "U n' I with Rashmi Shetty" which can be heard on all popular platforms. Uploads are on Fridays.

I coach CXOs & Senior leaders to enhance their VOICE & Vocal presence through one on one coaching. Do get in touch if you are looking for facilitating customized leadership programs for your team.

For details do visit https://coachrashmishetty.com/