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Articles by Nancy Daniels

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By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***What Is the Image You Are Projecting If You Speak Too Loudly?

While there is no doubt that a loud voice can be most painful to your listeners’ ears, have you ever considered how your loud voice affects the image that you project? We are all conce ed about image. Look at the number of articles and books written today on image and what it means for your success, both professionally and personally. While a loud voice can be overbearing, it is important to recognize that other people may be judging you unfairly because you happen to speak with too much volume.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,324 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Want to Sound As Good As You Look?

When it comes to image, everyone is conce ed about how they look, how they project themselves, what they say and what they wear. Yet few are aware that the sound of their speaking voice accounts for a large part of that image. So, my question to you is, do you like hearing your voice on your voicemail or your answering machine? Most people do not.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,321 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***A New Voice for 2010 Could Be Your Best New Year's Resolution

With the start of the New Year and the resolutions we vow to keep, there is one change that can improve your life – both professionally and personally – simply by discovering your ‘real’ voice. Easy to accomplish and guaranteed to get better with age, your ‘real’ voice is deeper in pitch, warmer in quality and will sound more mature than your habitual voice. You have a better voice inside but you were probably unaware of that fact.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,318 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***What Your Breathing and Your Mind Can Do When Your Body Says NO

Last week I was not looking forward to my upcoming 2-day workshop in Chicago. I had gotten a cold/flu the previous Sunday, after attending my high school reunion the night before – and hopefully not infecting everyone who was there. In any event, I so wanted to cancel the workshop because I didn’t know how I was going to get through it. 8 hours of talking for 2 consecutive days is rough on the speaking voice when you’re healthy, let alone when you’re sick. It is also the 1st time I have ever been sick for a 2-day workshop.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,313 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***If Only One Voice Matters, What Is Yours Saying?

When I was in graduate school studying music composition, my singing professor told me that the pitch of my speaking voice was too high and proceeded to show me my ‘real’ voice. Deeper in pitch, warm and resonant, my ‘real’ voice no longer exhibited whiny, young-sounding qualities. At the same time, I was waiting on tables at an exquisite restaurant in Columbia, Maryland, by the name of King’s Contrivance. Upon discovering my real voice, I knew I was going to sell more food. And, it worked. I sounded more mature; I sold the higher-priced items; and, my tips went up.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,308 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Plagued By Tension in Your Shoulder and Neck Regions?

If your answer is ‘yes’ to that question, then the chances are good that you are female and that you are juggling family, career and everything else that is being thrown at you. At least 95% of the women with whom I work complain of tension in their shoulder and neck regions on a daily basis. And, generally it is at its worst by the end of the day. The cure is easy, effective and efficient; however, if you do not make it a habit, the tension will return. It requires breaking an old habit and establishing a new one.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,303 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***If You Are Looking for a Way to Improve Your Image, Do Not Forget Your Voice

You have probably heard the statistics: when you meet someone in a face-to-face situation, 37% of the image you project is attributed to your speaking voice; 55% of your image is the visual and a mere 8% your content. Whether those percentages are true is not the issue. The issue is whether your voice speaks positively or negatively about your image.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,292 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Does Your Body Language Convey Confidence, Diffidence or Indifference?

When you are delivering a presentation, do you know that your body is speaking as well as your voice? Watch all great presenters and you will see that they use their bodies to express their feelings, their thoughts, and, most importantly, their confidence. If you walk to the podium with ...

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,285 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Ladies, Is Your Voice an Asset or a Liability for Your Career?

In Shakespeare’s King Lear, Lear is carrying the dead Cordelia and says, “her voice was ever soft, gentle and low, an excellent thing in woman.” Those words epitomized the image of how a woman handled herself in society and is in direct contrast to the loud, outspoken and sharp-tongued Kate, from his earlier play, The Taming of the Shrew.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,273 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***How Voice Training Can Aid in Accent Reductions

As a voice specialist, I have known for many years that a good voice improvement course can be an excellent means of accent reduction. Yesterday, I received an email from a Taiwanese man studying in Boston. His 1st language is Mandarin Chinese; and, he has been enrolled in an accent reduction course for the past 4 months.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,270 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Is Your Elevator Speech Ready?

Do you know what an elevator speech is? An elevator speech is an introduction about your business that you can encapsulate in 30 seconds or less. The idea for this type of speech is based on the average length of time one spends in an elevator. The value of the elevator speech is not just when traveling from one floor to another however. Elevator speeches can be used in more situations than you may think which is why it is to your benefit to have one ready at a moment’s notice.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,255 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***The Value Of The Anecdote

In public speaking, the anecdotes you include in your presentation can say a lot about you as the speaker. Simply put, the anecdote is a very brief retelling of a true account which can be humorous or interesting, but more importantly, is relevant to your topic. The value of the anecdote is ...

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,251 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Hearing Only Half the Sentence Is Not Quite As Good As Hearing the Whole Thing!

For those of you refuse to interrupt your sentences to breathe, you have a mass of listeners who are frustrated because they do not catch the 2nd half of your sentences. Do you know why this is? I’ll give you a clue. It’s got something to do with oxygen. Without air, there is no voice. What is happening when you do not supplement your air supply in speaking (especially on the podium) is that you are unable to finish your thoughts with enough volume to be heard comfortably.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,242 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***5 Steps for Delivering an Excellent Presentation -- Not a Perfect One!

If there is one thing that cannot happen in public speaking, it is the possibility of delivering a perfect presentation. What skills would you need to make your words or your manner of speaking perfect? Can you answer that honestly? Your presentation may be great; it may be excellent; it may be the best you have ever done; but, that doesn’t make it perfect. Perfection is subjective in this particular venue. In fact, any live performance, be it music, theatre, or even in the sports arena, cannot be judged by that one particular word – perfection.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,229 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***An Effective Closing is Just as Valuable as Your Opening in Public Speaking

The poet Longfellow said, “Great is the art of beginning, but greater the art is of ending.” While this 19th century poet was referring to the poem, his words are equally applicable to public speaking. Many great presentations and speeches are less than stellar because of a weak or non-existent finish. Yes, you must grab your listeners’ attention with your opening. It is a must if you want to capture your audience from the moment you begin.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,227 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Is There a Difference Between Male and Female Audiences?

You bet. Generally speaking, women make better audiences for one specific reason: they laugh more. Male audiences, on the other hand, are more difficult because of ego. And, it does not matter whether you, as the speaker, are male or female. The results are the same either way.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,211 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***What Image Do You Project When Approaching the Lecte ?

Often we are so consumed by our speech or presentation, our delivery, or our nervousness, that we fail to recognize the value of composure in approaching the lecte or the head of the boardroom table. You are judged not only when you begin to speak but also during your walk to the front of the room or onto the stage of the auditorium or the hall. If your shoulders are slouched, your head hanging low and your eyes staring at your feet, how confident do you look?

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,211 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***How To Make A 10-Minute Presentation When You Need 40 to Do the Job

One of the best courses I had in college was an English class on the 18th Century Novel. My professor assigned one book per week and would ask one question per book for which we were allowed to answer on only one typewritten, double-spaced page. The problem was that the question asked could be ...

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,209 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***3 Steps for Tapping the Full Potential of Your Speaking Voice

If you want to tap the full potential of your speaking voice, do your homework first and research what is out there. The question you need to ask yourself is whether you want to improve the voice you already have or would you prefer to discover the voice you don’t know you have?

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,195 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***The Best Training for Your Speaking Voice Means Learning to Breathe - The Right Way

If you are looking to improve your speaking voice, your first priority is to find a coach who will teach you how to breathe with the support of your diaphragm. Breathing with this support is something most people are not doing. In fact, 99% of the population is renowned for being lazy or shallow breathers. When you breathe in that manner, you are using only the upper portion of your lungs for your air intake.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,194 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Approaching the Lecte With Grace and Composure

The first time I had to introduce myself professionally was one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of my life. I remember sitting, waiting for my turn to stand and walk to the lecte amidst 150 members of the London, Canada Chamber of Commerce. At first I was relaxed until it dawned on me that my voice, my own personal introduction, was my business. And then I began to sweat!

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,186 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Tips for Controlling Your Rate of Speed in Public Speaking

Nothing is more frustrating than listening to a public speaker deliver a speech or presentation at 100 mph. A few minutes at this speed is one thing; however, 50 minutes or more at that pace can easily lose your listeners. Talking too fast is tiring for both you as the speaker and your audience as well. 2 other factors that you should take into account regarding speaking too quickly are: 1. the faster you talk, the more likely you are to trip over your words; and,r

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,186 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***5 Tips for Selecting a Voice & Presentation Skills Workshop

In my last article, I discussed what you should be seeking if you are interested in improving your presentation skills. In this article, I have added 5 more tips if you are planning to attend a workshop that covers both voice improvement and public speaking skills. 1. Make sure the company will be recording you and also providing you a copy of your own materials upon completion of the workshop. Having a record of how you sounded before you started the course is vital for voice training and will be an excellent reference and reminder for you in the months and years to follow.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,182 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***What Your Chronic Hoarseness May Be Telling You

I did damage to my own speaking voice some years ago when I was coaching my son’s soccer team. I will pay for that mistake for the rest of my life because I will never sing again. Considering my voice is my business, I am blessed that it did not do the same damage to my speaking voice.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,177 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Can You Discover Your 'Real' Voice in a 2-Day Workshop?

Absolutely. In fact, given the right approach, you could enter the workshop in the morning with your ‘old’ voice and have lunch with your ‘new’ one. It happens that quickly. Of course, it is not a habit at that point, but it is the beginning of an amazing change in your life, both professionally and personally.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,175 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***What You Need to Do in Public Speaking That You Probably Don't Do

Do you know the #1 thing most novice speakers never think to do when delivering a presentation? It never crosses their mind and yet it is the one thing they are in desperate need of throughout their talk. And, once they lose it, they are in a constant race to catch up on it. No, I am not talking about your train of thought, your words, your ideas, your speed or any other technique to help in your delivery. I am talking about what you need to take in – physically – in order to support your spoken words. It is called air.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,171 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Color in Public Speaking Does Not Refer to What You Are Wearing!

One of the requirements for dynamic speaking, whether it is at the lecte or just in normal conversation, is to be expressive when you talk. This is known as color and refers to your vocal variety, facial expression, and body language. All three elements work hand-in-hand to make your delivery more interesting.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,167 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***The Value of Good Diction in Business Today

Have you ever noticed when watching a movie or a primetime television show that you can always understand the diction of those actors in which English is not their ‘mother tongue?’ We see and hear actors with German, Spanish, French, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arab and African accents, to name just a few, who all speak clearly and distinctly.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,166 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Vocal Abuse Not Just a Result of Yelling or Shouting

We are hearing it more and more each day. We hear it with politicians, ministers, professional speakers, coaches, trainers, singers, aerobics instructors, and even the guy next door. It is called vocal abuse and it results from unnecessary wear and tear on the vocal folds (cords).

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,154 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***The Only Way to Successfully 'Treat' Vocal Abuse

I receive emails on a daily basis regarding vocal abuse – not just from those who are experiencing difficulty in talking but from singers as well. The only piece of advice I give them is to take the pressure off of the throat and vocal folds (cords) and allow their chest to become their primary sounding board. This piece of advice may sound strange but it is the only means of eliminating vocal abuse. Whispering is not the answer, nor is being silent for a year.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,149 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***If You Are Expecting Perfection in Public Speaking, You Will Lose the Battle

If you are an A-type personality, public speaking can be most frustrating for you because of your need to make your delivery perfect. One of the definitions of perfection is to be entirely without fault. Have you ever seen a theater performance or listened to a concert that was entirely without fault? Were no mistakes made? While you in the audience for the concert or the play may not have been aware of the wrong note from the band or orchestra or the flubbing of a line by one of the actors, mistakes are made.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,139 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Ladies, Is Your Face a 10 and Your Speaking Voice a 2?

Yes, we are a sex very conce ed with the image we project. We exercise on a regular basis; we are more aware of the foods we are eating; we try to get a good night’s sleep. As women, we want to look good; and, as we age, we know it takes more work. Our clothing is of the latest fashion; we moisturize and wear makeup; and, our hair must make a statement as well.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,138 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Do You Cringe When You Hear Yourself on Your Answering Machine or Voicemail?

The first time I heard myself on a recording was many years ago when I was in college. I had a small portable Sony tape recorder and I was with my friends when we recorded ourselves. I was horrified when I heard my own speaking voice. What is fascinating about that experience is that while all of my friends sounded exactly the same on the recording as they did off, I was sure that my voice was a mistake. I even blamed Sony for what I heard, attributing the quality of my voice to cheap equipment.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,134 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Constant Clearing of Your Throat May Be a Sign of Vocal Abuse

If you find that you are clearing your throat frequently when you speak, it may be a sign of vocal abuse. Ignoring it will not make the abuse go away because the process of talking is creating the problem. Therefore, the more you talk, the more you are irritating your throat and vocal folds (cords). While it is quite possible that post nasal drip or Gerd is the cause, I would suggest that you first go to a doctor and see if you have medical issues. If the physician finds no physiological reason for the irritation, then you need to change the way you are producing voiced sound.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,125 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Are You Giving a Speech or a Presentation?

There is a lot of debate right now at a popular social media site whether there is a difference between the speech and the presentation. In truth, the answer might depend on what country you live in. Here in the States, we look at the speech as something that is probably ‘written’ out. Whether it is given word-for-word is another issue. Eulogies, toasts at weddings, sermons, graduation speeches, the State of the Union Address, and all those speeches we are hearing in the political scene are formal deliveries in which the speaker is most likely standing at a lectern.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,121 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Do You Know Which Sounds Are True Nasals?

While we tend to equate nasality with New Yorkers, this issue is not just their problem. It is found in many parts of the United States and Canada as well. In the English language, there are 3 sounds known as nasals which should vibrate in your nose. They are the n, the m, and the ng sounds. Notice that true ‘nasal’ sounds are all consonants.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,115 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***3 Steps for Eliminating a Nasal Voice

When we hear the word nasality, we tend to think of New York City and her 5 boroughs. Excessive nasality is not limited just to New Yorkers though. You can find various forms of nasality in certain pockets of both the United States and Canada.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,109 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Your Childlike Voice Does Not Lend Credibility in Your Business Dealings

Do you believe that the image you project has an impact on your professional or business life? I would imagine that your answer is yes. I would also imagine that you have heard yourself on some type of recording equipment - your voicemail, an answering machine, a camcorder, or maybe even an old audio tape recorder.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,107 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***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!

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,104 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***How to Put Your Nervousness to Good Use

In public speaking or any other type of live performance, the idea of trying to get rid of your nervousness is definitely not the right approach. Nervousness is that wonderful rush of adrenaline that can make you sharper, more alert and more focused. In fact, the benefits of nervousness are so powerful that trying to eliminate it is a huge mistake. - If you’re not nervous, then you lose that wonderful edge.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,099 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***The 3 Things You Must Do to Increase Your Volume Without Shouting

Recently, I worked with an NFL player in voice and presentation skills. During his 3rd session, he discovered the techniques for increasing his volume without shouting which I refer to as projection. He was stunned. It did not hurt his throat; it sounded better; and, his voice carried with more depth and breadth.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,096 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***If You Are Soft-Spoken, Try These 5 Steps for Being Heard the 1st Time You Say It

Do others ask you to repeat yourself a lot? If so, do you realize how much time and energy you waste saying your message a 2nd or 3rd time? In today’s fast-paced world, being heard the 1st time you say it is vital to your success. If others continually ask you to repeat yourself, eventually they will stop asking and stop listening. What this means is that your words and your ideas are not going to be heard.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,093 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Life, Emotion, Animation – Just How Colorful Are You in Public Speaking?

You can have the greatest voice in the world but if your delivery is not colorful then you are boring. There is no other way to say it. Speaking in a monotone does not sell, no matter what your business is.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,087 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Improve Your Voice; Improve Your Life

Imagine the CEO of a company sounding like Fran Drescher in her role as “The Nanny” or the bimbo voice Melanie Griffith. Hard to imagine, isn’t it? In fact, when Melanie Griffith played in the movie “Working Girl” in which she takes over for her boss, she enrolls in voice training in order to sound more mature. One of the best means of improving your life is to discover your ‘real’ or true voice because the one you are presently using is probably not it. (Isn’t it a shame that Griffith didn’t keep that more mature sound in her real life?)

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,084 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Breathe Life Into Your Words When You Speak

Something we never think to do in public speaking is to breathe. We never think about our air supply and yet we find we are constantly running out of it as we struggle to get the words out of our mouth. Without air, you have no voice; and, yet, one of the most common complaints I hear from my clients is that they are breathless in public speaking.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,081 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Nervousness in Public Speaking Is Not Selective!

When it comes to public speaking, most people are aware that it is man’s greatest fear. Thus, it is not selective in who it affects nor how it affects those who stand at the lecte or at the head of the boardroom table to give that all-important presentation. There is no doubt that practice can be one of your best tools in conquering your fear; but, there is something else that most people are unaware of that can allow you to take your nervousness and let it work for you and not against you. Simply put, it is learning to breathe with the support of your diaphragm.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,080 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Discover One of the Little Known Secrets of Voice Training

One of the little known secrets of a good voice training course is that it will change your life for the better, both personally and professionally. Yes, your confidence will be bolstered and you will certainly sound more mature, but the improvements in your life will go far beyond your voice. - The reason is because you will have to learn to breathe with the support of your diaphragm.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,071 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Is Your Diction a Stumbling Block to Your Success?

Why does everyone else seem to get the promotion and not you? Is it possible that your diction is getting in the way? Speaking clearly today is now more important than ever because business has become global – from the largest corporations to those who run their own business out of their homes. Video and audio have made a huge difference in how we do business today and being understood the 1st time you say it may mean the difference between a raise, promotion or even a new job.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,065 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Horrified By What Comes Out of Your Mouth When You're Nervous?

Have you ever stood at the lecte or were sitting for an interview and when you opened your mouth to speak, the sound emanating from your lips was much higher in pitch than you expected, wanted, or appreciated? While the raising of the pitch of the voice is common when nervous, it is also something that can happen in normal conversation. Just getting excited can take some voices up several steps and for many people it is more than disconcerting. It can be embarrassing and humiliating.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,064 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Is Your Fear of Public Speaking Hindering Your Advancement?

I am amazed at the number of people who confide in me that their fear of speaking at a lecte or even at the head of a boardroom table is jeopardizing their career advancement. This is so unfortunate because their fear is control of them instead of the other way around. Everyone is nervous in public speaking – or should be. Personally, I want you nervous because it makes you more alert and more focused. The secret, however, lies in harnessing that nervousness and putting it to good use.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,060 views

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