Archive for the “Powerful Voices” category
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Create a Better World For Your Children
Saturday, June 3rd, 2006Recently I was asked by a new mother for the one piece of advice that I felt would make a difference. Here is what I said.
“Always let your child(en) know that because they are here on the planet, this will be a better world. The only voice coaching here is to be genuine, see their greatness, say it to them, and say it to them every day. Their world will then be one of service. You will be laying the foundation that will lead them to accomplish amazing things AND make a difference.”
Is Your Voice Talking You Out of Losing Weight?
Tuesday, May 30th, 2006Memorial Day was hot and muggy and the party I was at had all the fixings of a picnic. I observed the complaints the people had about how they were on diets or working on getting healthier (and I heard those words come out of my mouth too). It seemed to be agreed upon that today was an exception.
A friend was sharing about the South Beach Diet and I asked her the question, “So what can you eat that is here today?” She began telling me about all the things there she could not eat. I asked again emphasizing “can eat”. I saw a shift in her attitude when she told me what she could eat, talking about some serving adjustments here and there, and it was an impressive list.
So here is where I am going with this. When we are on a diet or health program, our emphasis is often on what we are being deprived of, and we use our voice to confirm this by telling others all the things we cannot eat. On top of that, we use a weak voice to confirm the pain of missing all those calories as though they were our best buddies.
Here’s a voice coaching suggestion to help you lose weight and feel good. Make a list of all your favorite foods that are healthy. Be sure to include fruits, vegetables, and nuts. This will be your shopping list. Now read out loud, with enthusiasm, your favorite foods. Buy these favorites with an attitude of fun, and make sure to include several servings a day of those fruits and vegetables even if they are pricier than you are use to paying. Consider them a treat (most people don’t flinch at spending $3 to $4 for a bag of chips).
Now go out and find five people and use your vocal energy by telling them all the great things you get to eat on your health program, how much fun it is, how great you look, and how good you feel. You’ll realize that instead of missing out you are gaining energy, vitality, and a sense of accomplishment that will last a lifetime.
Here are some of my favorites:
Vegetables: Broccoli, lettuce (salads), sprouts, asparagus, waxed beans, avocadoes, tomatoes, zucchini squash, green onions.
Fruit: Bananas, peaches, pineapple, raspberries, blueberries, pineapple, pears.
I love sushi and Chinese food (shrimp with vegetables), chicken, tuna.
Can A Voice Make or Break A President?
Thursday, September 30th, 2004Tonight is the first Presidential debate and we all are in an analyzing mode as we consider our country’s leader for the next four years. As a voice image specialist, I just completed an interview for Detroit’s channel 7 news evaluating the voices of John Kerry and President George Bush. It will be aired at noon and 5:00 PM tonight.
Here are some of my observations:
In my interview in analyzing Bush and Kerry’s voice I said that Bush has a more personal vocal style, using vocal inflections and range, hesitancies to add the human quality, and smiling especially when he wanted to connect with his listeners. Kerry on the other hand, has a more direct straight tone to his voice, not much fluctuation, and tended to drone, in a somewhat militaristic style.
In other scenarios, such as walking through the crowd, both candidates are effective as they smile and shake hands with those in the audience. Bush seems to bring that up to the platform with him, whereas Kerry shifts into a serious stance. When Bush says something that receives applause, he stops, looks around, and acknowledges his audience. Kerry, on the other hand, keeps his nose to his notes.
My suggestion is that Kerry lighten up and be more personable when on the platform, and smile more to connect as he does when he is moving among the crowd.
After the shooting one of the camera crew said, “Your voting for Bush, right?” making that assumption because I felt Bush has a stronger voice image. I laughed and told him my evaluation was purely from a professional stance. That I was not being political only straight in what I was observing.
After the debate:
I enjoyed the debate and thought Kerry came across more relaxed then Bush by the end of the program (guess he took my advice). Bush, on the other hand, in a subtle way, reflected some agitation in some of the rhetoric. Isn’t it interesting how we analyze every winch, gesture, and movement as we look for clues in how we will vote or ways to
confirm the decision we have already made?
Food for thought: What does the voice of the ideal President sound like?
