Just the way that you speak can give an impression of true presence. Your voice hits subconscious/unconscious buttons in the brain and make you credible, real, committed, or conversely incredible, funny or sad.
Laura Sicola contends that part of why no one remembers names is because we don’t say our names properly when we’re introduced.
She gives a great introduction to some fundamental vocal concepts.
If you’re pressed for time or if you’ve already seen and heard a lot of stuff about voice, skip to 4:49, or directly to 7:27 where she gives you the how on introducing yourself with presence.
Other interesting points she makes:
- different audiences have different needs
- what kind of person would the person you’re speaking to be most likely to be influenced by? Sound like that person.
- this is not about acting, it’s about sound and tonality – how bright, fast, deep, slow, breathy, paus-y, (whatever) you speak. She does a great job of modelling some of the differences.
- consider which parts of your personality need to shine through and how can you access that vocally (if you’re excited it shows in your voice; if you’re disappointed, happy or worried, it also shows in your voice…
- where the non-verbals and the words don’t match people pay attention to the non-verbals, so get your voice correct!
