Kate's Voice

It’s the age of the disembodied voice. We work remotely and attend global conference calls.  We leave voice messages and host webinars where a voice seems to belong to a PowerPoint slideshow rather than a human body.  However, not many people think much about how their voice sounds on the phone, besides that they probably don’t like it.  We spend more thought on getting a new phone than we do attending to the voice others hear when they call!    Considering that there is no other voice exactly like yours anywhere in the world (even if Aunt Li always says you sound just like your brother!) perhaps it’s time to step up your awareness and upgrade your phone voice instead of your phone.  So here you go.  A new plan designed to take you from Kermit to Kick-Butt on the phone.

1. Keep your intention in mind throughout the call:   There is always a reason to call someone.  You might be calling to say “hello” or to say “goodbye.”  You might be selling or you might be mining data.  You might be full of ideas to share, or full of news that can’t wait.  Whatever the reason, for maximum impact, think it through first. Here are some possible intentions for calls:

• To discuss and resolve an issue.
• To introduce yourself to someone and get to know them better.
• To get your working relationship off to a good start.
• To get a meeting on the calendar.
• To find out why they called you.

Note: to sound great on the phone, every time you talk to another person, set an intention to make them feel important….because they are!

2. Think happy and healthy.  Remember that your voice is the voice of your mind.    If you feel bad, we hear it.  If you are angry we hear it. If you are from Detroit, we hear it.  If you aren’t prepared or don’t know how to do that demo in the webinar, we hear it all.  Be ready for every call.  Pump yourself up, and remember that when you smile, we hear that too.
3. Get up and move. Too many of us sit in our chairs all hunched over while we talk on the phone.  Your body cannot support your voice when you are slumped over, and the lack of energy in your body will reflect as a lack of energy in YOU.  Do get up, and move around, or sit up tall on the edge of your chair.  Breathe and use your breath as you speak.
4. Slow down. Listen to the way you pronounce your words.  You may understand what you are TRYING to say, but can anyone else?  Take the time to articulate clearly, and allow space in-between for a breath here and there.  Be comfortable with those pauses.  Your breath also creates greater understanding because it allows the rest of us to consider what you are saying.
5.  Speak up. Don’t talk to the hand!  Most people drop their energy, and thus the pitch of their voice, while on the phone.   In 2009, 20-30 million people worked remotely at least once a week.  I have clients who work with teammates they have never met  face to face.  Do you work in your pj’s.?  It’s great to be casual, but the effect on your phone voice can be a nightmare.  Therefore, for the best quality phone voice, always pretend you are speaking to a room full of people, even when it’s just you and your teddybear.

How about you?  Do you have concerns about the way others perceive of you on the phone?  Do you have any suggestions that have worked for you to sound better on the phone?  We’d love to hear from you!

Do you talk on the phone for hours every day? In spite of the time we all seem to spend on the internet and using e-mail, most of our important communication still requires us to talk to each other. However, many people use their voices in ways that are damaging to their health and even their credibility.  If you end up hoarse or vocally fatigued at the end of the day you might be one of those people. Here are some simple things you can do right away to have a healthier voice and more vocal impact:

• Though it might be tempting to talk at the water cooler, plan breaks in your day to rest your voice instead.

• Sip water all day long (this is where the water cooler comes in!).

• Put your wireless to use and walk around when you talk on the phone so that you give proper breath support for your voice.  You’ll sound more energetic and confident too!

• If you need to use your voice in public speaking for more than a couple of hours at a time, build up its endurance. Practice speaking at home as if you were giving a presentation. Start by practicing for a half hour at a time. Gradually increase your practice sessions until you can work in two-hour periods without any trouble.

• Don’t let the pitch of your voice fall too low when it’s tired.  Sit or stand up straight when you talk. Hum often to keep your voice warm.  Besides, it’s good for you.  Humming has the effect of an “inner massage” as well!