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Articles from Nancy Daniels | Selfgrowth.com
- ***Do You Know Which Sounds Are True Nasals? - by Submitted on May 10, 2011 from Nancy DanielsWhile 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. ...
Views: 2998(2 votes) - ***Does Your LOUD Voice Make Your Listeners Cringe? - by Submitted on Feb 12, 2010 from Nancy DanielsHave you ever had a telephone conversation and the person on the other end of the line was speaking too loudly? What is your first reaction? Probably, to move the phone away from your ear. Talking too loudly is just as ineffective as speaking too softly except for one primary difference: the ...
Views: 7516(2 votes) - ***Does Your Voice Quiver, Shake or Skip an Octave Just at the Thought of Public Speaking? - by Submitted on May 21, 2010 from Nancy DanielsImagine that you are standing in front of an audience. Your hands are cold and clammy, your knees are wobbly, and your stomach is in knots. You manage to smile but you can feel your lips twitching. You open your mouth to speak, praying that your trembling lips allow for your voice to come ...
Views: 4615(2 votes) - ***Does Your Voice Shake in Public Speaking? 5 Steps to Stop the Quiver - by Submitted on Mar 07, 2011 from Nancy DanielsYou are standing in front of an audience. Your knees and hands are shaking; your heart is pounding in your ears and in your cheeks; sweat has formed on your brow; your lips are quivering. If all of that isn’t bad enough, when you open your mouth to speak, the voice that results is quivering or ...
Views: 14077(6 votes) - ***Furtive Glances Are Not the Same As Making Eye Contact with Your Audience - by Submitted on Apr 30, 2010 from Nancy DanielsIf you have trouble making eye contact with your audience, I suggest you make every attempt to change that practice. A young lawyer with whom I was working would glance about the room, briefly looking at someone and then immediately glancing at someone else, never actually seeing any of us in ...
Views: 5466(4 votes) - ***Hiring People for Tele-Sales? Why Not Select Those Who Speak Intelligibly! - by Submitted on Aug 29, 2009 from Nancy DanielsIt is Saturday morning and I just received a phone call on my business line from a man who was doing a survey. The person he wanted to speak to had to be male and had to be over 21. [Thankfully, I was able to respond politely that I did not ‘fit the bill’ and proceeded to quickly end the call. ...
Views: 3577(2 votes) - ***How Loud Is Too Loud in Speaking? - by Submitted on Jan 06, 2011 from Nancy DanielsIf you find others recoiling when you speak, it could be that you talk too loudly. While those who speak too softly far outnumber those who are too loud, the difficulty with the loud voice is that it is offensive to your listener’s ears. How loud is too loud? If you have been told that ...
Views: 5141(2 votes) - ***How To Get Rid of a Nasal Voice - by Submitted on May 10, 2011 from Nancy DanielsThere is nothing more frustrating than listening to someone who speaks with an excess of nasal sound. In a study done some years ago on how people react to a nasal voice, it was reported that it is frequently associated with less-than-average intelligence and a sign of immaturity. Ridding ...
Views: 14172(2 votes) - ***If 37% of the Image You Project is the Sound of Your Voice -- Uh-Oh! - by Submitted on Jan 25, 2011 from Nancy DanielsBefore the invention of equipment that could capture the sound of the speaking voice, people really had no way of telling how their voice sounded to others. When I first heard my voice, back in the '70's, I was horrified. What I could not understand was why my friends' voices on the tape sounded ...
Views: 2672(10 votes) - ***If Your Audience Is Moving, You've Got a Problem! - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2011 from Nancy DanielsDynamic speakers move and audiences do not. Less than dynamic speakers tend to stand, riveted to one spot which means that their audiences are moving. When that happens, you have lost them. We tend to think of public speaking as something in which we must stand behind a lectern. If you are ...
Views: 2775(2 votes) - ***Improve Your Voice; Improve Your Life - by Submitted on May 06, 2011 from Nancy DanielsImagine 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 ...
Views: 2999(2 votes) - ***Instead of Trying to Have the Deepest Voice, Why Not Strive for the Best? - by Submitted on May 26, 2011 from Nancy DanielsIf you do a bit of research on the internet, you will discover a number of websites promising to teach you how to have a deep voice. What is interesting about these ‘quack’ sites and even more questionable ‘authorities,’ is that not everyone has the ability to be a bass. It just isn’t ...
Views: 4234(4 votes) - ***Is Your Elevator Speech Ready? - by Submitted on Apr 05, 2011 from Nancy DanielsDo 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 ...
Views: 3134(2 votes) - ***Is Your Handshake Sending the Right Message? - by Submitted on Apr 28, 2011 from Nancy DanielsAh, the handshake. The handshake that is the 2nd or 3rd thing in which others will judge you. First in line is your visual image. What follows is often a handshake, your name, or both, as you introduce yourself. Have you ever considered the importance of your handshake and the image it ...
Views: 2852(2 votes) - ***Learn From the Greats in Public Speaking But Don't Try to Imitate Them! - by Submitted on Sep 09, 2011 from Nancy DanielsWithout a doubt, you can learn much from Zig Ziglar, Anthony Robbins, and Brian Tracy and so you should. What you shouldn't do, however, is try to copy them. The best public speakers are themselves, first and foremost. They are not trying to be or to sound like someone else. One of the ways ...
Views: 2283(2 votes) - ***Losing Your Voice by the End of the Day? - by Submitted on Apr 19, 2011 from Nancy DanielsI cannot tell you how many people I meet who tell me that they are losing their voice by the end of the day. When this occurs, often they have little, if any, voice the following morning. And, it is not just happening to those on the campaign trail. This type of vocal abuse is common among ...
Views: 5725(2 votes) - ***Public Speaking Is Not about You, It Is about Them - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2010 from Nancy DanielsDo you know what the purpose of public speaking is? Think about that for a moment. Too often, we are so consumed by our fear, our topic, or our delivery, that we often miss our reason for public speaking. You could be standing on a stage or in the front of a classroom or at the head of the ...
Views: 2542(8 votes) - ***Research the Company Before Your Next Interview - by Submitted on Mar 25, 2011 from Nancy DanielsWith today’s high unemployment, finding a job and then landing the position is a difficult process. While you may think you are perfect for the job, there are many other candidates who feel the same way about themselves. There is no question that your competition is fierce. Being able to ...
Views: 2246(4 votes) - ***The Art of Storytelling in Public Speaking - by Submitted on Oct 07, 2009 from Nancy DanielsHave you ever considered opening your speech or presentation with a story? If done well, a true story is an attention-grabber. It can be humorous, suspenseful, thrilling, provocative, or dramatic, any of which immediately lends credibility to you as the speaker. Don't stop there, however: good ...
Views: 2517(2 votes) - ***The Value of Imagery in Public Speaking - by Submitted on Feb 09, 2011 from Nancy DanielsWhen you speak at the lectern, on a stage or even at the head of the boardroom table, have you ever considered the imagery you use, thereby depicting your thoughts more effectively? Too often I hear those who speak so quickly and are so anxious to get it over with, that their words are said in ...
Views: 3906(8 votes) - ***There Is an Art to Storytelling in Public Speaking -- Do You Have It? - by Submitted on Jan 25, 2011 from Nancy DanielsHave you ever listened to Zig Ziglar tell a story? One of today’s most highly sought after speakers, this man captivates you with his true stories and anecdotes. His passion and enthusiasm are contagious as well which means he motivates his audience to action. Audiences expect stories so if ...
Views: 2301(2 votes) - ***Voice Training Can Change Your Life - Both Professionally and Personally - by Submitted on May 12, 2014 from Nancy DanielsIf you are like most people, you probably don't like hearing yourself on your voicemail or answering machine. Did you know, however, that what you hear on any type of recording equipment is exactly how everyone else recognizes you? Your inner ear, the means by which you hear your own voice ...
Views: 2689(2 votes) - ***Why Learning to Breathe Correctly Is Your 1st Step in Training Your Speaking Voice - by Submitted on Mar 18, 2011 from Nancy DanielsIf you are interested in discovering your real speaking voice but do not want to learn the proper breathing techniques in order to do so, then do not read any further. Some people provide various exercises to improve the voice you presently have; and, there are a few others who will show you ...
Views: 2550(4 votes) - ***Why Nervousness Is Your Best Friend in Public Speaking and Even the Job Interview - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2012 from Nancy DanielsI love all the articles and advice on the internet today which deal with quelling nervousness, combating nervousness, eliminating nervousness and ending those nervous jitters. Unfortunately, most of them do not discuss the benefits of nervousness in public speaking or in the job interview and ...
Views: 3275(6 votes) - ***Why You Need to Build Credibility in Public Speaking - by Submitted on Sep 21, 2009 from Nancy DanielsLet’s say that you are interested in pursuing a career in public speaking. Or maybe you have a presentation due in your public speaking class. Possibly you are a member of Toastmasters and you are scheduled to speak at your next meeting. Why should people listen to you? Why should others ...
Views: 4286(6 votes) - ***Winning the Battle of Public Speaking - by Submitted on Feb 25, 2011 from Nancy DanielsFor many people, just the thought of public speaking is enough to cause extreme panic. When you consider that it is man’s greatest fear, this is not surprising. While you may regard the act of standing in front of an audience and delivering a speech or presentation as a war that you will lose, ...
Views: 2908(2 votes) - ***Would You Consider Your Speaking Voice An Asset or a Liability? - by Submitted on Nov 07, 2011 from Nancy DanielsI recently listened to a webinar in which the speaker’s voice was so nasal, it gave me a headache. And I use Bose speakers on my computer! Is this man’s voice an asset? No. In his case, it is most definitely a liability. The problem with his overly nasal voice is that he does not sound ...
Views: 3527(2 votes) - ***Your Soft-Spoken Voice Is Impressing No One! - by Submitted on May 05, 2011 from Nancy DanielsOne of the most frustrating things for a listener is not hearing what the other person is saying. They are listening but they’re not hearing. After repeated attempts asking the speaker to increase his/her volume, they stop listening. If you want others to hear your message, then you must ...
Views: 4416(2 votes) - ***Confidence Is the Name of the Game in Securing the Job - by Submitted on Feb 14, 2011 from Nancy DanielsThe last thing some people think about when heading out the door for a job interview is confidence. Too often, there is such trepidation and fear, that their vision lacks this one thing the employer is looking for. Why should someone hire you if you do not look and sound confident? Trust ...
Views: 2545(9 votes) - ***If Your Presentation Skills Are Good, Can the Same Be Said about Your Voice? - by Submitted on Feb 09, 2011 from Nancy DanielsI am going to assume that your delivery skills are above average. You have addressed an audience on numerous occasions and you enjoy the challenge of public speaking. As strong as your presentation skills are, however, how good is the sound of your speaking voice – the one you hear on your ...
Views: 2835(7 votes) - ***Think Your Nasal Voice Is Sexy? Think Again! - by Submitted on Nov 30, 2009 from Nancy DanielsIt never ceases to amaze me the number of people who are so concerned with their visual image, watching their weight, working out, donning the most recent style of clothing, and yet are totally in the dark when it comes to the sound of their speaking voice. If you are plagued with a voice that ...
Views: 6753(7 votes) - ***Discover a Means to Improve Dyslexia That No One Knows About - by Submitted on Mar 30, 2010 from Nancy DanielsThrough my many years teaching voice improvement, I have made some startling discoveries regarding dyslexia, stuttering and even spasmodic dysphonia. Because my approach deals with learning how to breathe with the support of the diaphragm, my clients have benefited in ways unimaginable; and, ...
Views: 3471(5 votes) - ***Preparation Is the Key in Public Speaking - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2010 from Nancy DanielsI cannot tell you how many of my clients have admitted to me that they do not prepare for their presentations. When I hear that I am always stunned. If you know in advance that you are to speak to a group of people for whatever reason, how can you not prepare in advance? This is a no-brainer ...
Views: 3210(8 votes) - *** 3 Steps to End Breathlessness in Public Speaking - by Submitted on Jul 09, 2009 from Nancy DanielsA common complaint for those giving presentations or speeches is that they run out of air and can never seem to catch up on their air supply. The biggest problem with breathlessness is that your body is starved for oxygen because you are not allowing yourself the luxury of breathing. Instead, ...
Views: 3318(3 votes) - ***10 Reasons Why Voice Training Should Be Part of Your Professional Development - by Submitted on Apr 08, 2011 from Nancy DanielsWhether you are looking for a job, firmly ensconced in one, or in the midst of starting your own business, improving the sound of your voice is something you might consider especially if the sound of your voice on recording equipment leaves much to be desired. Yes, it is unfortunate that we do ...
Views: 3405(3 votes) - ***5 Steps for Delivering an Excellent Presentation -- Not a Perfect One! - by Submitted on Oct 08, 2011 from Nancy DanielsIf 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 ...
Views: 3115(3 votes) - ***5 Tips for Selecting a Voice & Presentation Skills Workshop - by Submitted on Jan 18, 2011 from Nancy DanielsIn 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 ...
Views: 3060(3 votes) - ***Could Your Speaking Voice Use Some Work? - by Submitted on Oct 28, 2009 from Nancy DanielsWhen you hear yourself on your voicemail, chances are good that you don’t recognize what you hear. Chances are even better that you not only don’t recognize the sound but that you find it embarrassing, shocking, or revolting. Because you are unable to hear yourself the way everyone does, the ...
Views: 3815(6 votes) - ***Does Your Voice Shake When You're Nervous? 3 Tips for Eliminating the Quiver - by Submitted on Jan 02, 2012 from Nancy DanielsWhen addressing an audience, there is nothing more embarrassing than opening your mouth to speak and the voice that comes out is high in pitch and shaking to boot! The shaking is known as a quiver and it can happen even when you’re not nervous. If your voice is quivering when you’re nervous, ...
Views: 7847(3 votes) - ***How Confident Do You Sound in the Interview? - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2012 from Nancy DanielsMany years ago when I was fresh out of graduate school, I applied for my first 'real' job in New York City at G. Schirmer, the largest publisher of classical sheet music in the States. What I didn't know then was that my speaking voice was my greatest asset in attaining employment with that ...
Views: 2810(3 votes) - ***If You Are Soft-Spoken, Try These 5 Steps for Being Heard the 1st Time You Say It - by Submitted on Jul 18, 2011 from Nancy DanielsDo 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 ...
Views: 2994(3 votes) - ***Is Your Soft-Spoken Voice Sending the Right Message? - by Submitted on Oct 03, 2011 from Nancy DanielsFor many people who speak in a normal volume of sound, straining to hear someone who speaks too softly is very frustrating. If you are soft-spoken and refuse to increase your volume to be heard comfortably (notice I didn’t say to speak loudly), then your message is not being heard. What ...
Views: 2559(3 votes) - ***Painting a Picture with Your Voice - by Submitted on May 23, 2011 from Nancy DanielsOne of the best pieces of advice I give to my clients is to paint a picture with your voice, with your facial expression, and with your body language when speaking. Those who read audio books are marvelous in this respect because their job is to depict everything they are saying so that the ...
Views: 3444(3 votes) - ***The 3 Factors That Determine the Quality of Your Speaking Voice - by Submitted on Jul 13, 2011 from Nancy DanielsThrough my many years as a voice coach, I have learned more from my clients than any book or theory on voice. What has been extremely fascinating is what I have discovered as to why we sound the way we do. It didn't start out as a study, rather it is the years I spent listening to my clients ...
Views: 5968(3 votes) - ***The 3 Things You Must Do to Increase Your Volume Without Shouting - by Submitted on Feb 19, 2012 from Nancy DanielsRecently, 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 ...
Views: 3011(3 votes) - ***The 4 Best Means of Persuasion in Public Speaking - by Submitted on Sep 21, 2009 from Nancy DanielsIn the world of public speaking, there are only 2 reasons for giving a speech or presentation (not counting the ‘after-dinner’ speech which is a topic unto itself). You are addressing an audience to either inform or persuade. That being said, if your subject is informative in nature, your job ...
Views: 2894(3 votes) - ***The 4 Characteristics of a Good Introductory Speech - by Submitted on Nov 19, 2009 from Nancy DanielsIf you are a member of a business or social organization, such as the Lions, the Rotary, a chamber of commerce, BNI or another type of leads or referral group, there is the possibility that you will be responsible for introducing a speaker at one of your meetings or functions. Known as the ...
Views: 12287(3 votes) - ***The Only Way to Successfully 'Treat' Vocal Abuse - by Submitted on Dec 13, 2009 from Nancy DanielsI 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 ...
Views: 3034(3 votes) - ***Want to Heard in the Club Scene? - by Submitted on Jun 07, 2011 from Nancy DanielsYes, your lack of volume is the issue. I can’t tell you how many people get in touch with me because of this problem. And, it doesn’t just affect those who are soft-spoken. The amount of volume needed in a loud bar or club (or even a wedding) is at least 50% more that what I refer to as ...
Views: 2305(3 votes) - ***Want to Sound As Good As You Look...Or Even Better? - by Submitted on Oct 17, 2009 from Nancy DanielsWhen it comes to image, everyone is concerned 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 ...
Views: 3518(3 votes)