A Quick Guide To Business Voice Coaching

Are you looking to improve your own and others’ executive presence and communication skills in the workplace? Do you want to make a bigger impact? Your team to sound more confident and authentic? Help those around you do the same?

If so, then business voice coaching might be just what you need.

In this quick guide, I explain what business voice coaching is, why it matters, what a top business voice coach does, what sets them apart from other voice coaches, the benefits of working with one, and how to choose the right one for you.

What is business voice coaching?

“Business voice coaching develops people's mental, physical, verbal and vocal presence and potential, helping them communicate confidently and authentically on- and off-line, in any situation”.

– Susan Room

Why does it matter?

Whether conversing with colleagues, clients or investors; pitching or presenting your ideas and recommendations; leading town halls or team meetings; interviewing for a new role or promotion; or inspiring others to trust and follow your lead; what you say and how you say it can make all the difference.

What does a top business voice coach do?

A top business voice coach will help you develop the four key pillars of communication: mindset, body, speech and voice. I do this using my Make Your Mark Coaching Framework, and I do it in that order because, for me, how you think (your mindset) affects how you move (your body), what you say (your speech), and how you say it (your voice). Working on all four gives you mental, physical, verbal and vocal presence – the four key pillars of executive presence.

Think about it.

1. Mindset: Mental Presence The voice leaks information. Whatever you’re feeling - tired, hungry, stressed, anxious, irritated, inadequate or something else - people will hear those feelings in your voice. That’s why building self-belief and a confident, resilient mindset, is, in my view, the starting point for anyone wanting to improve how they interact and communicate with others.

2. Body: Physical Presence​ The way you move in a space matters too. Your posture, breathing, eye contact, and hand gestures say a lot about how you’re feeling. When you believe in yourself, you’re more likely to stand tall, breathe calmly, look people in they eye, and use your hands purposefully to emphasise your words, making your mark as you do.

3. Speech: Verbal Presence When you’re mentally and physically present, your words are more authentic, credible, and authoritative. You’re more at ease asking (better) questions without worrying about looking silly. You know when to share your opinions, and add real value to your organisation when you do. You’re also better at saying no, helping you avoid burnout and its consequences.

4. Voice: Vocal Presence If the first three pillars are in place and you’re in good health, chances are your voice will be confident, audible and expressive, making people want to listen more to what you have to say. That's when you can really make your mark, voice your values, and so much more.

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What sets a top business voice coach apart from other voice coaches?

Few and far between, with a rare combination of experience and credentials, top business voice coaches:

1. Have more than 10 years’ senior leadership experience.

2. Are certified by one of the world’s leading coaching organisations (the International Coaching Federation, EMCC Global, or the Association for Coaching).

3. Hold a post-graduate degree in voice studies from a globally renowned conservatoire (notably the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama where I studied).

4. Abide by a recognised code of conduct and uphold the highest ethical standards.

5. Coach the four interrelated pillars of executive presence and communication: mindset, body, speech and voice.

6. Excel at making actor voice training techniques easy to grasp and relatable for busy professionals.

   
   

Most other voice coaches fall into one or more of the following categories:

1. Those who offer communication and presentation skills coaching (also known as voice trainers, speaking voice coaches or speech coaches).

2. Those who help non-native speakers soften their English accent and actors speak in different accents (known as accent and/or dialect coaches).

3. Those who help actors, voiceover artists, podcasters, presenters and singers perfect their delivery (often known as vocal coaches).

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The benefits of working with a top business voice coach

By working with a top business voice coach, you and your people will develop not only your vocal and communication abilities, but also other uniquely human skills which, according to world-leading influencer Bernard Marr, are increasingly in demand as technology puts more jobs at risk. These include:

• Managing time effectively.

• Listening openly with empathy.

• Bringing out the best in people.

• Thinking critically and creatively..

• Communicating ideas and opinions.

• Building relationships and networks.

• Controlling and expressing emotions.

• Collaborating effectively in a hybrid world.

• Being open-minded, curious and willing to learn.

Individuals gain:

• Better verbal skills.

• Increased confidence.

• Greater self-awareness.

• Improved executive presence.

• More vocal variety and impact.

Teams experience:

• More visibility.

• Wider opportunities.

• Improved team spirit.

• Greater trust and rapport.

• Enhanced collaboration and creativity.

  
  

And organisations benefit from:

• Higher productivity.

• More diversity and inclusivity.

• Increased employee engagement.

• A more open, authentic workplace.

• Better individual and collective wellbeing.

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Choosing a business voice coach

Here are some things to consider:

• Experience: Look for someone who has credible, hands-on business experience (it doesn’t have to be in your industry).

• Credentials: Check their credentials and certifications.

• Coaching style: Make sure their coaching style aligns with your learning style.

• Reviews: Read reviews from past clients to get an idea of their experience working with the coach.

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Is business voice coaching worth the investment?

Absolutely. Working with a business voice coach can help you develop the soft skills that are vital to staying competitive in an AI-driven world.

Are you a CEO or HR Leader ready to take your teams' executive presence and communication skills to the next level?

Get In Touch