Silence is the cradle of your voice power

"Be like a duck. Stay calm on the ground, but always paddle down like deacons" "- Actor Michael Kane


The above quote stuck in my mind as I was doing my first zoom seminar to 100 people last week. As a voice coach and public speaker, I have given over 1000 live lectures both nationally and internationally, as well as as a professional actress I have aired many TV shows, commercials and my own radio show, "Sounds of Success". So, what happened next surprised me.

For this seminar, I always rehearsed on the zoom platform, checked the lights in the office, made sure the background wasn't confusing and was positioned on camera so people wouldn't look for my nose, which I often heard would happen.

Five minutes before the start, the organizer explained that everyone would be muted due to a large number of people on the call and I would search and talk with my own image, full screen, for 30 minutes.

In the first minute of talking to my own image, I heard myself fast, stumbling over the statistics I had been presenting for over 25 years ... and above all I was out of the whole moment.

"What's up, I thought ... stay calm and get back to your vocal technique."

Smile and take deep breaths to center yourself.

Repetition of last thought. Now more clearly.

Start breathing in the middle of your thoughts so the audience can take in the message.

Concentrate on saying the last word.

In two minutes, which seemed to last forever, I was calm, came back and finished 30 minutes by presenting what I was saying.

The challenge was not just to speak with my own mouth but to have no connection to the audience - not even a visual that should be considered. My solution is to involve everyone in breathing and projecting voice exercises.

I've learned an important lesson, and if this happens to you, my advice is here - it's best to use only visuals and voice when making big calls, or video calls between you and the host (everyone else is silently watching) and then the Q&A activity. Taking questions.

Great vocal skills are the foundation of outstanding communication and the first step in acquiring communication skills is to consult an experienced voice coach.