Loading the searchable article library…
Browse published articles attributed to Nancy Daniels, with full-archive search.
Were you to give a presentation with no vocal variety, no facial expression and no body language, what do you think the reaction would be of your audience? Unless you are a comedian and that characteristic is part of your ‘shtick,’ do not expect your listeners to be much enamored by your lack of color – the life, emotion, and animation one displays in speaking.
Through my many years of speaking, teaching and training, I have found that by concentrating on the moment you can move ‘above’ the stress that you may be experiencing at a given time and deliver a dynamic speech or presentation. Most actors, musicians, athletes and public speakers as well are ...
We tend to think that the creation of our speech or presentation and its delivery are the two most important considerations in public speaking. In truth, what you do before you even set pen to paper can have a tremendous effect on the outcome of your material. Imagine that someone has gotten in touch with you and asked you to speak to their company, their firm, their organization or club, their university, or possibly at a convention or expo. Perhaps you are toasting a bride, giving a eulogy or delivering a graduation speech.
Whenever I hold a 2-day workshop, my clients do a ‘before & after’ video which is not only eye-opening but most definitely ear-opening as well. What is striking is the decrease in nasality no matter the background, the language or the culture of the individual. This change occurs because of a change in voice placement. Most people use 4 of their 5 resonators to produce voiced sound; and, of those 4 resonators, the 2 most heavily used are the throat (pharynx) and the voice box (larynx.) The other 2 resonators include the mouth and the nose.
Recently I held a 2-Day Voice & Presentation Skills Workshop in which one of the attendees, named Mohammad, was quite soft-spoken. He came to the seminar not just to work on his presentation skills, but more specifically to learn how to speak in a normal volume of sound. Notice I said normal.
When people ask you to repeat yourself, do you think that you have been speaking loudly enough? Do you often get interrupted when you are talking? Do you feel that no one is listening to you? If you are soft-spoken, I’m sure that I just hit a nerve. You are being talked over or interrupted ...
You know the problem; however, you don’t know how to solve it. You have chronic hoarseness or a pain in your throat. Possibly you are losing your voice by the end of the day. And, one of the qualifiers with the above problems is that you are not sick. What is happening and what can you do about it? 1. The problem is known as vocal abuse. 2. It is caused by overuse of your speaking and/or singing voice. 3. It cannot go away on its own unless you stop talking and/or singing.
Are you one who often reverts to whispering or speaks consistently in a soft voice instead of a normal volume of sound? I am not talking about the horse whisperer or the dog whisperer in this particular case, but the individual who speaks in a whisper even when his/her throat is not sore or ...
Have you ever considered the sound of your speaking voice and what it says about you? Have you given any thought to the fact that your speaking voice could be holding you back from landing a particular job or getting that promotion? Take this scenario for example. There are two candidates ...
That’s a leading question, isn’t it? With teleseminars there is definitely no visual and with webinars, there may be a picture of you, but more than likely, your listeners will be focusing on the visuals; i.e. slides, videos, or webpages as well as the sound of your speaking voice. And, the sound of your speaking voice is what you are hearing through your headphones and not the familiar voice you hear in your head.
Are you plagued by a voice that cracks, quivers or just isn’t there when you need it? Often occurring at the most inopportune times, all three problems are usually caused by stress on the vocal folds (cords). Because your vocal folds are an organ, it is important to treat them well; and, ...
There is no doubt that potential employers are looking for confidence in those whom they will hire. Seeing assuredness in how you handle yourself, how you dress, how you answer questions and even the way you sound says a lot to the person determining your future.
They say that man’s greatest fear is public speaking and that his second greatest fear is dying. According to Jerry Seinfield that means, "that most people at a funeral would rather be in the coffin than give the eulogy!" To my knowledge no one has died from public speaking. Your hands may ...
With the high level of unemployment today, landing a job with any company is highly competitive. What is the possibility that your voice is not an asset but indeed a liability? Before pursuing graduate studies, I worked for a company in the Philadelphia area in which we sold pre-arranged tours to Hawaii, Mexico, and Califo ia over the telephone. While my boss, Harry, was an excellent salesman, his speaking voice was definitely his greatest asset. Deep, rich, and resonant, Harry’s voice was captivating and his success at Your Man Tours was outstanding.
Speaking voices come in all shapes and sizes – literally. And, while you can attribute your vocal apparatus to genes, it is not just your genetic makeup that entirely determines the quality of your speaking voice. Your environment helps shape the sound of your voice as well. If you study twins living in different parts of the country, for example, both will have the same vocal apparatus and possibly the same quality; but, what they do with it will vary according to the area in which they were raised and how they are using their voice.
I have belonged to a public speaking network for some time now and it never ceases to amaze me that the members do not talk about the actual sound of the speaking voice. From topics covering the value of content versus delivery to the elimination of nervousness and even ways to find speaking engagements, they never discuss the image of the voice and what it says about them.
Have you ever been to a business meeting in which all in attendance had to stand and introduce themselves and you heard basically the same thing from each and every individual? One of the worst things we do as a people is our personal introduction. While the names and the businesses will be ...
While the phrase ‘you know’ has not yet replaced the verbal tics ‘um’ and ‘ah,’ it is gaining momentum both in the delivery of presentations and in normal conversation. If you are aware that you use one of more of these fillers, it really is not difficult to eliminate them if you willing to practice and record yourself.
Have you been told that you speak in a monotone when delivering a speech or presentation? You may have been surprised to hear that description about yourself because in normal conversation you are quite animated, displaying a lot of emotion. What happens at the lectern, however, is that you lose all sense of self as you spit out a pile of words in the hopes of getting it over with as quickly as possible.
One of the secrets of good public speaking is to know your material very, very well. You may not think it a secret but you would be surprised how many people approach the lectern, the stage, or the boardroom table and do not know their script. And, the only way that can happen is if you practice it out loud over several days or maybe even a few weeks in advance. How much practice you need is entirely dependent on how quickly you learn.
Sometimes it appears that there is just too much to think about, to be aware of, and to focus upon in public speaking. While that may seem true at first, if you allow yourself to pause during your delivery, you will discover one of the most important aids when delivering a speech or presentation.
Sometimes we get so caught up in the idea of public speaking – be it from nervousness or excitement – that we often do not have a clear idea about those to whom we will be addressing. In truth, you cannot even begin to create your presentation until you know about your audience. And, the best way to gain that information is to ask.
It does not seem possible that this one commonality exists among so many people in public speaking. Whether it is for the presentation or the speech, it happens quite frequently and is both visible and audible to an audience. It may only occur in the opening; although, it often continues throughout one’s delivery. Without it, it is sometimes difficult to be heard. Do you have an idea what I am talking about?
One of the secrets for becoming a dynamic public speaker is to make eye contact with your audience. While there are some courses on presentation skills or public speaking that teach you to stare at an object on the wall in order to eliminate your nervousness, I couldn’t disagree more. Forget ...
With all the articles about public speaking, few ever talk about knowing your competition. If you are a novice and planning a career at the lectern, part of your homework is to listen to as many speakers as you can and get to meet them in the process if at all possible. Words cannot say how valuable this can be for your future and is one of the great public speaking tips that you would be wise to heed. There are 3 reasons why you should take this advice.
Today, unemployment is higher than it has been for quite some long time and, in many cases, older workers are looking for a job after years of security in their former positions. For some, just the idea of being interviewed is a frightening experience. With the high number of applicants seeking the same job, older workers may feel quite daunted in their search. What can you do if your experience is excellent but your interview skills are less than stellar? Without a doubt, good interview skills are one of the most important characteristic for those obtaining employment today.
I remember when one of my sons was in 2nd or 3rd grade and was practicing reading out loud. He would take a breath after almost every word. Teachers explain to children in that age group that they should wait to take a breath until they come to the end of the sentence. At that age, there are only 6 or 7 words in the sentence!
The other day I received an email from a young man who told me that he was getting a sore throat by speaking loudly at the clubs and wondered if my training dealt with volume. I had to smile when he said that he had read several books on voice and none of them talked about how to increase or decrease the amount of sound you use. They also didn’t discuss projection which involves speaking in a bigger voice without shouting or yelling.
In the past, you could afford to speak with a Brooklyn dialect because your business probably dealt with those who spoke the same way. Today, however, no matter where you live, business is global. What this means is that your clients and associates need to be able to understand your words. If not, your message is lost. With the lightning quick speed available because of the internet, prospective clients can come and go in the blink of an eye. If they are unable to understand you when you speak, then they are more likely to go and find someone else whose diction is clear and concise.
When I attended James Malinchak’s BootCamp a few months ago, one of many things he did to grab our attention was to ‘cast the net’ during the introduction. Those are his words. His introductory material was designed to bring the audience into the fold and immediately build a rapport with us. And, there is no doubt that it worked. - When you create your introduction, do you consider your audience in your opening remarks? - Do you tailor your material around their needs as you ‘cast the net’ to become more intimate with them?
It is sad that Mariano Rivera underwent surgery on his vocal folds (cords) recently. The Yankees’ closer was diagnosed with severe vocal abuse in which polyps had developed on his vocal folds. A month prior to his surgery, he noticed a decrease in his ability to speak which was characterized by a raspy, whispery quality. What is interesting is that, with the right training, he could have prevented it.
Many people suffer from chronic hoarseness, sore throats and even loss of voice; and, most of these people do so because of misuse of the speaking voice. It is common; it is world wide; and, it is a growing concern. Through the years that I’ve had a website on voice improvement, 40% of those ...
In order to establish yourself in the business of public speaking, you should begin contacting local clubs and organizations in your area as soon as possible. It is important to understand that the majority of those engagements will not be paid. In fact, at this stage, I would doubt that any of those invitations will offer you any monetary gain. Therefore, if you already have a job, it would be a good idea not to quit your place of employment just yet!
When I hear a raspy, gravelly, hoarse voice, I know what the problem is. It is called vocal abuse; and, I also know that it will not get any better on its own unless the speaker changes how he or she produces voiced sound. Those who suffer from chronic hoarseness, a persistent sore throat or even loss of voice are often fans rooting for their favorite teams. It is not just happening to those in the stands at professional sports games or those watching on television. It can also happen when we attend our children's football, baseball, soccer and/or hockey games
When you look into the sea of faces in your audience, have you noticed that there are some people who smile? Whatever the reason, every audience has smilers and they can be found throughout the room when you are speaking. It just happens. Whether you are presenting to 5 people or 500, there are always smilers and those are the ones that you should target during your talk.
Recently I was interviewed on a blog radio program and the host paused so long after every comment I made that I wondered how many listeners she really had. Yes, the internet station of which she is a member has an excellent listenership, but I seriously question whether this particular woman has any real following.
One of the most important skills you need in public speaking is the ability to believe in yourself; otherwise, why should your audience? Many people approach the lecte or the head of the boardroom table, thinking they are going to fail. If that is your approach, then your chances of success are greatly reduced. Believing in yourself requires only one prerequisite – knowing your material inside and out. This is often a problem, however, for the novice speaker. If your lack of preparation is due to your fear, then your prediction of failure will become a reality.
Have you ever listened to a speaker who used so many ahs or ums that you started counting them? When that happens, you then lose the ability to concentrate on what the speaker is saying. Suffice it to say that the ums or ahs become the message. Um, ah, uh and you know are verbal tics ...
Nothing is more frustrating than finding a topic for a persuasive presentation for your public speaking class or for Toastmasters, especially if you are not one to voice your opinion on subjects that could be controversial. If you are stymied for a topic, do some soul searching and make a list of topics for which you have particular leanings.
Nothing is more frustrating for your listeners then when they are unable to distinguish what you really mean by what your voice is or isn’t doing. Given the wrong tone, the wrong inflection, the wrong volume or a total lack of vocal variety and your voice could be saying one thing when you mean something else.
I love to hear the excuses my clients give for why they did not do well at their last speaking engagement. Whatever the excuse, in most cases, the real reason for this problem is lack of preparation. I cannot tell you how many people tell me that they went over their material several times and they still did not do well giving their speech or presentation. I then ask them how they practiced and they proceed to explain that they went over it in their mind on numerous occasions. Do you know the mistake in that scenario? They went over it in their mind.
So, you’re looking for a deeper, sexier speaking voice but you’ve got a nasal twang. Does this mean that you’re stuck with a high-pitched voice? No. Is it possible to have a better sound? You bet! Most people are not speaking at their optimum pitch or within their optimum range. The result is a voice that tends to be higher in pitch than it should be because the sound is being forced from the throat and voice box.
That is an interesting question. While I often use those two words interchangeably, there is a difference. I liken pacing to your overall speed. Do you generally speak slowly, quickly or at a moderate rate of speed? In North America, a good pacing is moderate. If you speak too fast, you will tire your listeners; if you speak too slowly, you will put them to sleep.
The search for good public speaking or presentation skills is on the rise. People want to know how to improve or hone their abilities to address an audience. One thing that is often overlooked, however, is training for the speaking voice. When you hear yourself on an answering machine, voicemail or some other form of recording, do you like what you hear? Indeed, if you are like most people, your answer is probably No.
Some years ago, two radio broadcasters were studying voice improvement with me. One, in particular, wanted me to make him sound like Paul Harvey. Paul Harvey was an icon and an original in the radio business. Part of his greatness was his originality. Wanting to emulate this announcer was not what the young broadcaster should have desired. Wanting to be himself should have been his goal.
All the talk about eliminating your nervousness, putting a stop to nervousness, or defeating your nervousness, misses the boat on one basic fundamental: nervousness is a bonus. It can give you an edge that is an asset if you learn how to control it. Early in my career, one of my clients ...
Nothing is more frustrating than not hearing the person who is speaking. The problem for the soft-spoken, however, is that they do no recognize this problem for what it is. If you are soft-spoken, the reason you are being interrupted or talked over is because others tire of straining to hear you. Unfortunately, this can lead you to believe that what you are saying is not important or of no consequence. Nothing could be further from the truth. - If others cannot hear you, then it matters little if what you are saying has value or not.
The value of storytelling in public speaking is undeniable. Audiences love true stories especially if they are recounted with a good description. You may use them in your opening, your closing, or place them in the development of your delivery as long as they are relevant to your topic.
The other day I watched an interesting documentary on military planes and the man describing the different parts of the plane ended every, single sentence on the up-swing. What this means is that the inflection he used with every statement sounded like a question. (Inflection refers to changes in pitch in speaking.) As he is an authority on the subject, my first reaction was that he did not sound like an expert in his field. Instead, he sounded like a Valley Girl.
Whether it is for personal reasons or professional, improving the sound of your speaking voice is something people are becoming aware of because they realize it is part of the image they project. What does your voice (the one you hear on your answering machine) say about you?