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Get in touch Interested in working together? Still looking for answers? Then email me contact@susanroom.com or message me using the form below. Send a message First Name Last Name Company Position Email Message Send Connect with me Follow me Recent Posts See more on the blog Apr 16 3 min Take a first step to tackling your inner critic Take a first step to tackling your inner critic, that negative voice that loves to bring you down when you're trying to stand tall. Feb 19 4 min Vocal and Executive Presence: How It Can Help HR Leaders Improve Psychological Safety In The Workplace By developing your vocal and executive presence, you can become a more effective leader and foster psychological safety in your team. Jan 17 6 min The Vagus Nerve: a secret weapon for calming your mind and voice Understanding and harnessing the power of the vagus nerve can lead to improved emotional and vocal control, even in stressful situations.

Business Voice Coaching Are you a talent development director looking to improve your people’s communication skills? Or a business professional wanting to become a more confident and effective communicator? ​ Yes? Then work with me to develop an authentic voice that will make you and your organisation stand out for all the right reasons. "Business voice coaching develops people’s personal, professional and vocal potential, equipping them to communicate more effectively on- and off-line, in any setting. It involves work on mindset, body language, speech and voice, and can be life-changing." Susan Room I specialize in providing world-class business voice coaching services that help organisations, professionals, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders improve their confidence, executive presence and communication skills. My voice training workshops , keynote , 1-2-1 packages and masterclass will help you cultivate a powerful and persuasive speaking style that makes your message stand out from the crowd. You’ll learn how to convey your unique personality in your own authentic voice. I also provide guidance on how to use body language effectively, deliver compelling presentations, and build strong relationships with colleagues, customers and other stakeholders. My goal is to help clients become more confident communicators who can effectively convey their message especially under pressure. Whether you're looking to give better presentations at work, project your voice so you can be heard in large meetings, modulate your tone to convey empathy, exude authority at interview, or just want to express yourself more clearly in conversations, I can help you and your people achieve your goals. Contact me today to learn more. The benefits of business voice coaching For Individuals Better verbal skills Increased confidence Greater self-awareness Improved executive presence More vocal variety and impact For Teams More visibility Wider opportunities Improved team spirit Greater trust and rapport Enhanced collaboration and creativity For Organisations Higher productivity More diversity and inclusivity Increased employee engagement A more open, authentic workplace Better individual and collective wellbeing For more on business voice coaching, why it matters and its benefits, read my: Quick Guide To Business Voice Coaching The Make Your Mark with Susan Room® Coaching Model I will work with you on the four key pillars of communication: mindset, body language, speech and voice. This is because how you think (mindset) affects how you look (body language), what you say (speech) and how you say it (voice). Mindset: the voice leaks information. Whatever you’re feeling be it tired, hungry, stressed, anxious, irritated or something else, people will hear those emotions in your voice. That’s why my work starts with ‘mind work’, notably turning down the negative voice in your head and dialling up the confident, authentic voice within. Body language​: posture and breathing habits affect your voice which is why improving them is an essential part of voice coaching. They also convey how you feel about yourself and others, as do your facial expressions and hand gestures. I can help you use all aspects of body language to communicate more effectively. Voice: your voice is a remarkable instrument. Together, we explore what it can do and how to use it to maximum effect. Whether we work on one vocal element - pitch, tone, intonation, volume, resonance, and speed – or several, our focus will depend on what you want to achieve. A common goal is helping women develop a strong, warm, assertive voice. Speech: speech coaching includes replacing unhelpful habits with helpful new ones; honing confident, concise language; learning and flexing different communication styles; crafting and rehearsing impactful conversations, presentations, pitches and speeches; improving articulation; and, if relevant, softening a non-native English accent. Choose Your Journey For Business For Individuals Make your Mark Workshops and Keynote Help your people look, feel and sound more confident and credible, not least when under pressure. Learn More Button Business Voice Masterclass How to manage and use your voice to succeed in business. An immersive 90-minute live masterclass, virtual or in person. Learn more. Button Vocal and Executive Presence Workshop Develop vocal and executive presence to increase influence and impact. 90-minute live workshop, virtual or in person. Learn more. Button 1-2-1 Coaching Solutions Online coaching for self- funding individuals who want to communicate with greater confidence, authority and presence. Learn more. Button Read what businesses say about my workshops

All Case Studies Individual Didem Ün Ates AI/Generative AI global leader and TechWomen 100 Champion When you know 2,500 people will be watching, you definitely want to capture and hold attention. That’s why Didem sometimes seeks Susan out for dry runs. Working together, they define and refine key elements of major presentations to maximise impact and bring content to life. Accelerating digital transformation An AI/Generative AI and Responsible AI leader with 25 years' experience in managementment consulting (Capgemini, EY, Accenture) and industry (Motorola, Microsoft, Schneider Electric), Didem is also a World Economic Forum AI Governance Alliance fellow, Forbes Tech Council member, TechWomen100 Champion, Trailblazer 50. Passionate about developing and supporting women in tech, s he is currently Operating Advisor, Goldman Sachs Asset Management & AI/Generative AI Council. ​ An in-demand public speaker A frequent, highly sought-after public speaker, Didem has talked to audiences around the world about her work with artificial intelligence (AI); how to scale this tech responsibly, inclusively and ethically; and how to encourage more young women into the technology sector. More than business voice training While prepping for one such extremely important presentation, Didem had a half-day, 1-2-1 voice coaching session with Susan. Reflecting on that experience Didem says: “I’ve had public speaking coaches before but Susan’s amazing. I thought she’d give me some voice exercises and training, but she went way beyond that, providing wonderful feedback and advice to improve the flow of the presentation I was preparing to give. What impresses me about Susan is how authentic she is – she really cares. She takes on the topic and has a way of bringing out the best in people." Inspiring presentations "That presentation I gave was a huge, huge success. There were about 200 in the audience and what I said and how I delivered it moved some of them to tears. The feedback I received was it was one of the most inspirational presentations some had ever seen." ​ Long-term benefits "The value of that single session with Susan continues to live on. I’ve used that presentation to anchor many more I’ve subsequently given. The guidance and feedback Susan shared is as useful to me today as the day she shared it. I just feel honoured to have met Susan and I’m delighted that our joint passion for gender equality and inspiring women into technology and AI, means we continue to remain in touch.” Want to communicate with greater confidence, authority and presence? Then check out my online business voice coaching solutions which cater for different needs and budgets and are all designed to give you tailored advice and support. Whether you’re preparing an important interview, pitch, appraisal, meeting, conversation, project or presentation, or just want an objective opinion on how you come across, I’ll give you perspective, feedback and practical things you can do straightaway. Learn More

So says the inner critic, that negative voice that loves to bring you down right when you’re trying to stand tall. Sound familiar? If it does, how often does it pop up? How does it make you feel? What gets it going? Think you’re the only one dealing with this? Hit pause for a second and write down what you’re noticing. In this post, I want to help you understand how negative self-talk can hold you back; what might trigger it; and reassure you that it’s not a new thing and it’s definitely not just a "you" thing. How negative self-talk can hold us back Research shows that negative self-talk can really hold us back. This habit of telling ourselves we're not good enough can affect us both personally and professionally. Studies show that constant self-criticism leads to more stress, depression, and a sense of being stuck, which can really mess with our mental health. Negative self-talk often stems from our deepest insecurities and fears and exaggerates our flaws. It acts like a roadblock to success. Scaring us away from taking chances or chasing opportunities because we fear failure. This habit doesn't just stop us from seeing what we're truly capable of; it also makes it tougher for us to bounce back when things go wrong. Constantly talking ourselves down causes anxiety and lowers self-esteem, which can lead us to do things that just keep proving those negative thoughts right. It's a tough cycle to break out of. But break out of it we can, through tiny habits and focus. Understanding the triggers Once we can understand what triggers that negative voice, we can anticipate and prepare for it, rather than be ambushed by it. Pretty much anything that makes us feel excited but also a bit vulnerable can wake up our inner critic. Like starting something new - joining a new team, kicking off a new job or relationship, moving to a different country, launching a business, or especially starting tiny new habits. Other people can set it off too, especially if we’re not familiar with them, don’t get along, or if we really admire them or think they’re smarter, more successful, or more experienced than us. Feeling physically or mentally low, like being tired, hormonal, sick, or just down, can trigger it as well. As can doing stuff that puts us in the spotlight, like speaking a new language, speaking in public, or sharing controversial or innovative ideas. The list goes on. I’ve seen thousands of people get tripped up by these triggers. What triggers would you add to the list? Share your thoughts in the comments below. You are not alone! People often feel they’re the only one to have an inner critic. They look at their colleagues and say: “They’ve got their act together—they’re smarter, more knowledgeable, just better at getting things done.” Comparing yourself to others unfavourably? That's a classic move by the inner critic! And, like other triggers, 'comparisonitis' is a very common thing, making you feel as though ‘there’s something wrong with you’. Just like Imposter Syndrome can. Syndrome? No. I prefer to call it "the human condition". Who doesn’t doubt themselves at times? No-one I’ve ever met. How can I say that? Because I routinely ask roomfuls of people to stay seated if they don’t have an inner critic, and, guess what, suddenly, almost everyone’s standing up! Doubting ourselves is just part of being human, not a syndrome or disorder. Everyone, at some point, feels like they're not good enough. Even those who always appear confident and successful on the outside. Knowing this allows us to be gentler with ourselves and makes it okay to discuss and address our doubts together. It also means we can begin to listen to the inner critic more rationally and with curiosity. Surprisingly, when we do that, we’ll likely hear things that can actually be helpful to know and useful to act on. Things that we can focus on and develop - because despite all the negative chatter, the inner critic has a positive intention. More on that in a later post but for now, take a first step towards tackling your inner critic by recognising your own triggers and how negative self-talk might be holding you back both personally and professionally. The Business Voice Coach Mindset is just one of many topics explored in my flagship programme Make Your Mark with Susan Room®. A transformative four-step framework specifically designed to help business people develop the four pillars of effective communication. Learn More #businessvoicecoach #innercritic #mindset #makeyourmark

Redundancy. Burnout. Work-Life Imbalance. Cost Of Living Crisis... These are the subjects my coaching clients are increasingly discussing during coaching sessions in these turbulent times. There's a lot of emotion out there right now, and most of it is far from positive. Which makes me wonder how HR professionals are coping. Chatting with them reminds me how amazingly tough, committed, and resourceful they are. How often they are unnoticed, under-appreciated, and so focused on getting coaching for others they don't have time for it themselves. And how fostering psychological safety is currently a burning issue for them. "Our people crave a workplace where they can freely express themselves, and be their true, authentic selves, without fear of judgement, discrimination or retaliation", they say. Free expression is hard at the best of times, but even harder when there's so much fear around. Which there is. And everyone is feeling it. Enter the art and science of vocal and executive presence. By developing their vocal and executive presence HR leaders can: Reduce fear in themselves, their team and their organisation, making the conversations they really don't want to have - the difficult ones - a touch easier. Elevate their personal brand (have you ever contemplated the role your voice plays in shaping your reputation)? Foster an inclusive culture where every voice is respected, enhancing psychological safety, organisational well-being and performance. Inspire trust in leadership, boosting employee resilience and a more cohesive and supportive workplace. Be the calming and stabilising force their people so desperately need during uncertain times. But what is vocal and executive presence and how can HR leaders convey it? Demystifying Vocal and Executive Presence The foundation of effective leadership, vocal and executive presence is the non-verbal language that speaks volumes. It elevates an individual from just being in the room to being memorable, allowing them to captivate an audience with an unseen aura and a strong, warm voice that command attention and exude an unmistakable approachable authority. Whether walking into a board room or one-to-one redundancy conversation it's the impact that lingers long after the words are long forgotten. For HR Leaders, Chief People Officers, and Talent Development Professionals, understanding - and helping their people understand - these forms of presence is not just insightful — it's indispensable. - Defining Vocal Presence Vocal presence, at its core, is all about reflecting inner confidence and conviction through the human voice. It's about speaking in a way that causes others to listen, capturing and holding their attention and effortlessly guiding them to understand and connect with our message. A well-honed vocal presence can make a real difference to careers, negotiations, and relationships. "Vocal presence is the ability to speak in a way that makes others want to listen." - Susan Room. - Decoding Executive Presence Executive presence, the kind that grabs attention when you speak, is a combination of personal style, communication abilities and physical confidence that conveys authority and inspires others. It's lighter than gravitas, (a weighty Latin word with unhelpful male overtones), more attainable than charisma. Both types of presence are particularly important when it comes to getting stakeholders on board, shaping company culture, and smoothly handling difficult situations and conversations with confidence and authority. Neither is a birth right. They can be learned. Cultivating Vocal and Executive Presence in Critical HR Scenarios - Delivering Difficult Messages with Impact As an HR leader, you will often find yourself in the difficult position of delivering bad news or leading challenging conversations. Having a strong vocal and executive presence can help you navigate these scenarios with greater finesse and confidence. By projecting confidence, warmth, and authority through your voice and body language, you can ease some of the tension and make the message easier to receive. This can help maintain psychological safety in the workplace and foster a culture of open communication, even during turbulent times. - Embracing Diversity and Inclusion Key elements of vocal presence involve recognizing, addressing, and reducing vocal bias in yourself and others, and establishing connections through your voice. By understanding different communication styles and adapting your own, you can create an inclusive environment where every voice is valued and heard. This not only fosters psychological safety but also enhances organisational performance by utilising the diverse perspectives and talents of your team. - Leading with Confidence and Resilience Executive presence involves exuding confidence, even in stressful situations. As an HR leader, you may face difficult decisions or resistance from stakeholders. By developing a strong vocal presence, you can inspire trust in your leadership and be a calming influence during uncertain times. This can help your team build resilience and navigate turbulence with confidence and stability. Ready to Develop Your Vocal and Executive Presence as an HR Leader? By developing your vocal and executive presence, you can become an even more effective and influential leader, fostering psychological safety, promoting inclusivity, and inspiring trust in your teams and organisations. If you're an HR Leader, Chief People Officer, or Talent Development Professional, start your journey by booking my Vocal and Executive Presence Workshop for you and your team. Delivered virtually, it’s 60 or 90 minutes long (you choose) and will give your people powerful insights and a toolkit they can use straightway.

Picture the scene. You're about to go into a high stakes meeting, conversation or presentation. You've done your prep, got your slide deck and are ready to blow your audience away. You're feeling good... Then, out of nowhere... Your inner critic screams, "You're going to mess up!" Your hands become clammy. Your throat goes dry. And your heart starts racing as if there's no tomorrow. Before you know it, it's your turn to speak. But when you do, instead of sounding clear and resonant, your voice cracks and shakes, oozing fear and weakness instead of confidence and authority. Hearing it makes you speed up ("You need to get out of here, fast"), causing you to stumble, mumble and lose track of what you were saying. Your audience looks irritated ("They think you're a fraud"), some exit the room, others get out their phones, leaving you wishing the floor would open and swallow you up. Finally, the torment over, you escape, convinced "you're never going to be a good communicator" and determined to avoid any opportunity that will put you through the same humiliation again. The 6th speaking secret If you've worked with me, you'll know about the 5 Speaking Secrets TED speakers use to make their talks so engaging. But, let me share with you a 6th lesser-known secret that can make all the difference to your mindset and vocal delivery: The Vagus Nerve. But what is it and how can we tap into its power? Introducing your vagus nerve The vagus nerve - also known as the "wandering nerve" due to its extensive network throughout our body - is the longest cranial nerve, stretching from the brainstem to various organs including the heart, lungs and digestive tract. It is responsible for regulating our parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the "rest and digest" system. It's counterpart is our sympathetic nervous system, which activates the "fight or flight" response in stressful situations. Think of it as a seesaw, with the vagus nerve representing the "brake" and the sympathetic nervous system being the "accelerator". When one is activated, the other is deactivated. This is important because we need both systems to maintain balance in our body. However, in today's fast-paced world where stress levels are constantly high, many of us spend more time on the "accelerator" and not enough on the "brake". This can lead to chronic stress, anxiety and burnout. - The vagus nerve's influence on mindset Research shows that the vagus nerve directly influences our mindset, stress response and emotional regulation. People with higher vagal tone - meaning their vagus nerve is functioning efficiently - tend to have better emotional regulation, lower stress levels and a more positive mindset overall. Conversely, those with lower vagal tone may struggle to stay calm and focused in high-pressure situations, leading to anxiety, panic attacks and difficulty controlling emotions. Studies have also shown that vagus nerve stimulation can improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder by increasing levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for regulating mood and emotions. - The vagus nerve's influence on voice The vagus nerve also plays a critical role in voice production and modulation. This is because it innervates the larynx, or voice box, controlling the contraction and relaxation of the muscles responsible for voice pitch, volume, and tone. When stimulated, it can help to regulate the tension in these muscles and improve the quality of our voice. In high-stress situations, when our 'fight or flight' response is activated, our vocal folds can tense, causing the voice to become shaky or weak. This can make it more difficult to speak and project the voice. By activating the vagus nerve, we can counteract this response and speak with more ease, clarity, and confidence. "The vagus nerve, an unassuming journeyman of our physiology, finds itself at the grand intersection of the mind and voice. With its subtle influence, it crafts the symphony of our emotions, and in doing so, it shapes not just the rhythm of our hearts but the melody of our words." - Omar Bani Mustafa, Speech Language Pathologist Understanding and harnessing the power of the vagus nerve can, therefore, lead to improved emotional and vocal control, enabling us to maintain a clear, confident mindset and voice even in stressful situations. This is why some singers and performers use vagus nerve stimulation techniques, like those below, to prepare for performances or reduce stage fright. Ten simple ways to stimulate your vagus nerve, and calm your mind and voice. Here are ten simple yet effective practices to improve your vagal tone, and help you think and speak calmly, confidently and clearly in any setting. Incorporating these techniques into your daily routine may well help you access their benefits when you really need them in a high-pressure moment! 1. Increase your vagal tone through breathwork Simple breathing exercises can stimulate the vagus nerve, helping us to feel more relaxed and centered in our body. Deep belly breathing, extended exhales, alternate nostril breathing, box breathing (inhaling for 4 counts, holding for 4 counts, exhaling for 4 counts, and holding for 4 counts), 'Countdown To Calm', and my personal favourite, 'The Container', are all worth a try. 2. Use your voice to activate the vagus nerve Research shows that toning and vocal exercises can help to stimulate the nerve, enhancing its regulating effects on our nervous system. Experiment with humming, singing, toning the "Om" chant, and reading or speaking aloud poetry and positive affirmations ("You can do this") to warm up your voice and calm your body. 3. Make time for belly laughter Laughter has been found to stimulate the vagus nerve and improve our overall stress response. So maybe it's time to let yourself have a good belly laugh - not just for fun, but to release emotional and vocal tension. Perhaps set a goal for a daily dose of comedy, whether it's through watching stand-up shows, funny reels and memes, or socialising with friends who make you laugh. 4. Try cold exposure There's evidence that exposing ourselves to cold temperatures can stimulate the vagus nerve and increase its tone. This could mean taking a cold shower, going for a dip in the ocean or even splashing cold water on your face and wrists all of which will help activate the nerve and improve your mood. 5. Rhythmic and mindful movement boosts vagal tone Yoga, tai chi, dancing, rocking, swinging, repetitive exercises like rowing or cycling, and even brisk walking all have the remarkable ability to stimulate the vagus nerve. These activities harmonise our breathing and heart rate, calm our nervous system, and increase feelings of well-being and connectedness with the world around us. 6. Connect through community Strong relationships and a sense of community have been found to increase vagal tone and support overall well-being. Connecting with friends and loved ones, joining a local library, club or reading group, and doing things you love (eating, reading, cooking, sport, singing) with others will all give your vagus nerve a boost. 7. Reduce vagal braking through diet What we eat can also have an impact on our vagal tone. Consuming nutrient-rich foods such as leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics can nourish the vagus nerve and minimise stress responses and illness-inducing inflammation in the body. 8. Nature time increases vagal tone Spending time outdoors, grounding ourselves and connecting with the earth has been found to increase vagal tone and improve mental clarity and calm. So, next time you're feeling overwhelmed, take a break and go for a walk in nature. 9. Stimulate the vagus nerve through pet interaction Dogs and cats, in particular, have a calming effect on humans, reducing stress levels and boosting mood. This interaction triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that reduces stress and anxiety, and in turn stimulates the vagus nerve. 10. Massage therapy can stimulate the vagus nerve Massage stimulates the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation and other health benefits. Techniques focusing on the neck and base of the skull activate this nerve, leading to reduced stress, improved digestion, lower heart rate, and enhanced vocal control. Incorporating regular massages into your routine is a great way to boost your vagal tone and indulge in self-care. If you're already doing some of the things listed above, keep doing them in the knowledge they're helping you become a more calm, confident and effective communicator. If there's something on the list you're not doing, give it a try, and see what happens. Remember, consistency is key, so try and create a routine that suits your lifestyle. This is an ongoing journey, so be patient! So, to wrap things up ... The vagus nerve is a secret, little-known weapon in every professional's toolkit. It's an incredibly important part of our body's nervous system, with far-reaching effects on our mood, mindset, and even our voice. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, boost your emotional well-being, or improve your vocal and executive presence  stimulating the vagus nerve may be the key to unlocking a whole new world of possibilities. So if you're looking for ways to improve your health and well-being, consider giving your vagus nerve a little extra attention and see just how powerful this nerve can be. Your mind, body, voice, and audience will thank you! The Business Voice Coach #voicetips #businessvoice #businessvoicecoach #mindset #presentationskills If you're eager to help your team improve their spoken communication skills, why not book me to run a Make Your Mark event, Vocal & Executive Presence Workshop or Business Voice Masterclass for them?