Presence -014

November 25, 2020Episodesthespeakercoach

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No matter who I’m coaching, no matter what industry he or she works in, there is one everyone wants: presence. There’s a certain magic in the word, don’t you think? The idea of possessing presence is a little controversial, because there are some experts who believe that you are born with it and others who believe it’s a skill you can acquire over time, with practice. One thing we can all agree on is: presence gives you star power. In this episode of The Speaker Coach, we take a deep dive into what presence really is, including who has it, and how you can get some for yourself. For a tip sheet on the 6 components of what I call Star Power, just click here. #publicspeaking #executivepresence #leadership

How To Be Heard in a Meeting -013

November 4, 2020Episodesthespeakercoach

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Have you ever been in a meeting and you feel like your voice is just not being heard? Coach Candy to the rescue with some tips and techniques that will help you be heard, and noticed in a meeting. This episode is focused on women, because it is harder for us to be heard than it is for men. Why? Because testosterone makes men’s voices deeper and that depth creates command of the room. What’s a woman to do? Hit that download button and find out.

Voicemail -012

October 7, 2020Episodesthespeakercoach

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Consider this episode a brief tutorial on voicemail best practices, including how to create a memorable outgoing message, and how to leave the kind of message for someone else that guarantees a call back. Like any other communication skill, there’s an art to voicemail. Your outgoing message is like a verbal first impression, a calling card, a snapshot of who you are. Messages we leave for others can work for or against us. The fact is, it only takes 5 seconds to make a first impression and in the case of voicemail, the person can’t see you, so 100% of their impression is based on the tone of your voice and the quality of your content. Do yourself a favor and listen to your current outgoing message and ask yourself the question: “can I make this better?” Chances are, you can! Hit that download button and in minutes, you can add “voicemail pro” to your growing list of communications skills.

The Secret Ingredient -011

September 23, 2020Episodesthespeakercoach

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There are many skills and talents that when combined together, create a compelling communicator. In this episode, we briefly explore the value of a great sounding voice, being attractive, writing well, the valuable art of storytelling, taking risks, executive presence, and the gifts of wit and personality. Of course,these are all incredible attributes and skills to have, but there is one secret ingredient that exceptional communicators have and use all the time. In fact, this ingredient never lets them down, keeps them on course, and separates them from the rest. What is it? Hit that download button and find out in less than 8 minutes.

Masks & Your Ability to Communicate -010

August 28, 2020Episodesthespeakercoach

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Current CDC regulations are designed to help us stop the spread of COVID-19, but wearing a mask affects our ability to communicate effectively. In this episode, you’ll learn how to harness your body language as well as your vocal ability to break through a mask that is covering half of your face. From reminders about the importance of first impressions to the idea that your eyes really can smile, consider this episode 7 minutes of mask wearing wisdom that will make you a better communicator. Sound good?

Mastering Your Elevator Pitch -009

August 14, 2020Episodesthespeakercoach

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There’s a new expectation in our world when it comes to communicating. What you say needs to be fast because nobody has time anymore. That’s why getting really efficient at expressing yourself in a short period of time is such a valuable communication skill. What is an elevator pitch? It’s a clear but memorable description of an idea or concept, explained in simple terms, in a short period of time…anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes…the time it would take for a ride in an elevator. An elevator pitch can also be a way to explain a person’s unique skillset, worth, goals, to a decision maker, or a valued connection, in a memorable way, in a short period of time. What is the key word in both of these descriptions? That’s right: memorable.

Zoom Like A Pro -008

July 31, 2020Episodesthespeakercoach

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Raise your hand if you are sick of Zoom? Me, too. The fact is, millions of people have been working remotely throughout the pandemic and it is likely that even when things get back to normal, virtual meetings will be an accepted way of doing business. Great communicators have to be agile in any setting, so I’ve created an episode that will help you Zoom like a pro. I’ll walk you through how to master the platform in your Zoom settings so that you look and sound better with tips on what equipment to buy, how to stage your background, how to bring your energy to a Zoom session and how to connect with an audience in a virtual world. I’ll even let you in on one of my tried and true broadcast secrets that will take your skills to the next level. For a free tip sheet on this episode, just click here. #Zoom #logitech #blueyeti #musiciansfriend #publicspeaking

How To Take Care Of Your Voice -007

July 17, 2020Episodesthespeakercoach

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If you use your voice to earn a living, you really need to learn how to take care of it. Over use of your speaking voice causes strain and can damage your vocal cords, also known as vocal folds. In this quick episode, we learn a little bit about the anatomy of your voice, what causes vocal disorders, and how to make sure you keep your voice in good shape. The truth is: public speakers, singers, actors, broadcasters, politicians and anyone who works in a noisy environment are at higher risk for vocal fatigue and damage. Don’t let that happen!

Microphones -006

July 2, 2020Episodesthespeakercoach

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This episode is all about microphones and how to use them. As a recording artist and major market broadcaster, I always like to tell people that I’ve never met a microphone I didn’t love! But that’s not true for most people. Being handed a microphone, or stepping up to one that is fixed to a podium can be daunting and unfortunately, most people just don’t know how to use them. In this episode, we’ll fix that problem by teaching you how to hold a microphone, and what types of microphones you are likely to come in contact with as a public speaker. Trust me, some mics are better than others.

Vocal Variety -005

June 17, 2020Episodesthespeakercoach

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What is vocal variety and how can you get some in your speaking voice? Vocal variety is a communications skill that enables the speaker to engage the listener by using different speeds and tones while talking. Most people lean on a handful of notes in their speech pattern. But when we get brave and experiment with notes that are above and below our normal speaking range, vocal variety is born and our voice is more interesting to listen to. Vocal variety is the opposite of monotone and in this episode, I give you some examples of how to get vocal variety by practicing out loud on your own. If you add vocal variety to your speech pattern you will up your game immediately as a communicator.