***How Professional Do You Sound If Your Voice Is Childlike?

Do you find that others have difficulty taking you seriously because you sound like a 12 year-old or worse still, an 8-year-old? Yes, ladies, I am talking about answering the phone and the caller asks to speak to your mother!

Some years ago, I worked with Janice who not only sounded like an 8-year-old but also resorted to baby talk at work. Her job was in administration within a bank’s mortgage department. Because we are unable to hear our voice the way everyone else does, Janice really didn’t know just how bad she sounded or looked until she saw herself on a video recorder. Not only was she stunned at her voice but she was disgusted as well by her posture which displayed a total lack of confidence.

That experience was enough to make her realize that she needed to change if she wanted to move up in her career. And, she did. Janice's change was remarkable. By learning how to use her chest cavity to power her sound, she discovered a voice that she did not know she had. Warm, rich, and deeper in pitch, her ‘real’ voice not only sounded more mature but was one of the best I have ever heard.

The majority of people are not using their chest cavity as their primary sounding board, instead relying heavily on their throat and voice box to produce most of their sound. As well, the nasal cavities and mouth are also responsible for the production of voiced sound. Those who hail from Brooklyn, for instance, often use their nasal cavities more heavily than their other 4 resonators.

The secret to a great speaking voice is the use of all 5 of these resonators with the understanding that you must temper the sound. Too much through the nose and your voice will sound nasal. Too much forcing from the throat and your voice will exhibit a gravelly or a hoarse quality.

What was fascinating about Janice was that her posture improved as well as her voice. After her training, her colleagues told me that she walked differently: she walked with purpose with her head held high.

There is no doubt that you have a better voice inside of you. It is merely a matter of discovering it and then making it a habit. I found my ‘real’ voice in graduate school and it got me the jobs I wanted in New York City because I sounded more mature and confident.

With voice training, you will not only sound better, but you will probably look better, and you will most definitely feel better about yourself. Lose the childlike voice and watch what happens to your career.