Gender and Leadership
No matter your gender and leadership style, speaking publicly to your customers, teams, or Board of Directors requires a mastery of presentation skills.
Women and men alike want to impress. Leaders want to make their mark.
It all happens by starting with the actual sound of your voice.
Direct from the voice-over artists, coaches, and stage directors inside our network, here are the 4 no-fail tips you can use to enhance your leadership image regardless of your gender.
Tip #1:
Talk from the middle of your body.
Too many people talk from their throat or their neck.
Put your hand on your neck to see how much vibration you feel.
Your voice should be coming from your entire body cavity and chest, not stuck in your throat or neck. A richer and fuller voice helps improve your delivery and your presence.
Tip#2:
Moderate the volume knob.
A confident voice is not too loud or too soft.
Set up a mock audience and try to speak at different tones to see how you are heard. Your image is more refined and powerful when your voice is not overpowering.
Tip#3:
Say “no” to up-talking!
Some people believe they can present well if they up-talk at the end of their sentences and some don’t know they do it.
When you up-talk, you actually sound like you’re asking a question and need approval. Worse yet, you send a message that you’re not secure and confident about your image. Practice talking without bringing your voice to an “up-note” and you’ll see how your image changes.
Tip#4:
Use less salt and pepper.
We all use salt and pepper to give us time to think. It’s the “uh” or “ummm” or “right” that we toss into our language.
Presentations are stronger without it.
Less salt and pepper shows you have rehearsed, know your material, and feel confident with the direction of your presentation.
The more you can drop the salt and pepper, the better an image you present.