For over 20 years I have been coaching speakers both privately and in educational and business settings. Many of the techniques useful to singers can be transferred to speakers - after all the same instrument is involved. After receiving a certificate in therapeutic techniques from the McClosky Institute of Voice, I taught for the Speech Improvement Company of Brookline and served as an expert witness in voice identification for a criminal trial in Federal Court, Boston, MA. In 1991 I was hired as a consultant for speaking and presentation skills by the Newfield Group of San Francisco, CA to work with people training to be professional coaches. At that time I designed and developed a 60 minute practice tape and handbook for speakers. I have given speaking workshops for singers, teachers, job interviewing support groups, the Lexington Toastmasters Club, and business executives through Richard Balzer and Associates.

“Carolyn’s extensive knowledge and creativity in working with the speaking voice has given my clients valuable tools for more effective speaking in a variety of business settings.”  Richard Balzer

VOCAL PRESENCE

A Workshop for Business Professionals

Purpose:

To enable business leaders, company executives, and managers to develop highly effective speaking and listening skills in their communication with colleagues, clients, and employees.

Context:

The Vocal Presence Workshop is designed to be part of company Human Resource and Development  programs on Leadership, Personal Impact, and Management Development; particularly those with a focus on Communication and Presentation Skills.

An Integrative Approach:

Speaking effectively involves much more that carefully chosen words set out in a well organized format. How you speak reflects who you are: how you move, what you think, and what you feel. Your habits of speaking affect your listener both physically and emotionally and so influence what is possible in the conversation.

Vocal Presence Workshop Workshops:

An introduction to the elements of skillful speaking that will enable you to:

• Define your strengths and weaknesses as a speaker

• Expand the dramatic impact of your speaking voice

• Speak with greater confidence  in meetings and presentations

• Establish rapport with clients and colleagues

• Be yourself fully

As a result you will find greater authenticity, flexibility and power in communicating with both individuals and groups.

Content:

Companies may choose either a two or a four hour workshop. Individual coaching sessions and a handbook, Vocal Presence and the Healthy Speaking Voice, a guide to further practice, are available to participants following the workshop. Both workshops consist primarily of group activities and demonstrations. The outline below lists the topics covered:

2 Hour Workshop:

Introduction of the primary qualities of speaking and what they reveal

Introduction of the physical elements of speaking                                       

Easy-to-perform exercises to improve posture and expand breath capacity

Relaxation exercises for the muscles of the face and neck

Warm-ups for articulation

Movement exercises for efficient use of breath in speaking

Individual coaching

4 Hour Workshop:

All of the above plus:

Tips for keeping your voice healthy

Two-person dialogues using a variety of business situations

More opportunities for individual coaching

Comments from former participants:

“My range of tone, expression, and emotion expanded dramatically”                   S.L. (Consultant and Trainer)

“I experienced a remarkable improvement in my ability to communicate in a way that inspired and satisfied my clients.”  R.R. (Consultant and Trainer)

“When I now speak in front of groups I hear my voice as more animated and whole, not forced or strained. My voice now projects and elicits confidence.”

L.K. (Image Consultant)

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