Some people seem to automatically pick up accents they hear around them. Is this you? Have you ever thought about why (or why not) you inadvertently mimic dialects you’re around? There are several reasons why this might occur.
continue readingWhy your virtual presentations are worse than in-person
If I had a nickel for every person who has told me how much harder it is to present well over Zoom (or Teams or Meet or whatever platform), I could actually retire at some point.
There are many reasons for a remote presentation to be more difficult in terms of connecting with the group, reading the room, and assessing whether listeners are “with” you. Today we focus on the role the listener plays in your success, and why it can be easier to present well in person.
continue readingHow to stop clenching your jaw
Clenching or grinding the teeth can be related to various physical problems, but I’m interested in it because it can mess with voice and speech! So let’s look at why we do it and, most importantly, how to stop.
continue readingStressed? Try humming for health
Yep, simply humming can affect your body and mood. I’m going to discuss a little of the data, and then give you a simple way to play with it on your own.
None of this is surprising, really, when we consider the widespread use of sound waves in Western medicine. Ultrasound is a vital non-invasive diagnostic tool, and sound waves are frequently used to treat tumors, kidney stones, broken bones, blood clots, and so much more.
continue readingOne simple way to instantly add authority to your voice
I’m frequently asked to help people sound more authoritative in the work place. The request may come from their own feelings about their speech, or from a supervisor who notes this as an area for improvement. Spoiler: lowering your pitch doesn’t help!
conitnue readingAre you a “fast talker”? Speed may not be the real problem
Clients often tell me they talk too fast. They either notice this themselves, or a supervisor gives them that feedback, or they observe people often ask them to repeat themselves. When we get into the details, though, their rate is often not the problem.
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