I am working with a woman who taught kindergarten for many years and is now in the process of changing her career. Susan would like to become a professional public speaker and consultant. Regarding her voice and presentation skills, her delivery is similar to that of a kindergarten teacher telling a story to a class of 5-year-olds with exaggerated facial expression, body language and vocal variety.
Another woman with whom I worked, named Pat, spoke with a childlike voice and resorted to baby talk with her colleagues. The bank where she was employed sent her to me so that she could learn how to sound more mature.
When both women saw and heard themselves on video, they were appalled and immediately recognized the need to make a change. In the case of Susan, she realized that in discussing her topic, she was treating her listeners as if they were children. Pat, on the other hand, was so embarrassed at how she had been dealing with her colleagues that she not only made her ‘real’ voice a habit but she also changed her posture and how she walked.
It is important to note that your voice and physical image are not the only components of a good delivery. Your facial expression and body language help tell the story as well. If you mannerisms suggest that of a 6-year-old, then the impression you give is childlike. If doesn’t matter great you look – the image you are projecting is that of a child.
Both women made the change most successfully. Susan stopped using wide sweeping arm movements and an exaggerated posture. She also discovered a warm, rich, mature-sounding voice that fit her visual image. Pat not only found her ‘real’ voice, but she stopped talking like a baby. Today she stands tall with her head held high and walks with confidence. The change for Susan and Pat was astounding.
If you sound like a teenager, a pre-teen, or younger still, and are over 21, it is in your best interest to discover the voice that is inside of you just waiting to be found. Likewise, if you believe that your body language and facial expression tell your listeners one thing and your age is saying something else, then it might be a good idea to video record yourself and study the playback.
Your ‘real’ voice will sound confident – not too old, not too young, ageless. And, once you find it, you will see your life improving, both personally and professionally, in ways you cannot imagine.
The Voice Lady Nancy Daniels offers private, corporate and group workshops in voice and presentation skills as well as Voicing It!, the only video training program on voice improvement. If you would like to see and hear a dramatic change, from childlike to mature, watch Trish's 'Before & After' video clip.