I am a communication strategist and when people ask, “What is your target market?”, I say, “I sell air. Everyone has to breathe and everyone has to communicate.” Another ‘master of the obvious’ statement is that speech is habit. In virtually every interaction we simply talk. But as training managers and leaders, are you confident you can communicate strategically and effectively at all times and in all situations? 

The following is a simple training technique to practice—how to be the most effective communicator possible. First at home using the video—or audio—record feature on your phone, record yourself practicing role-playing a 30-second interview or a 30-second meeting. Practice something that is relevant for yourself/your business unit. Listen back. I call this study ‘game film’. 

In my practice, I have the privilege of teaching elite athletes who all benefit from the study of game film. Studying their performance they objectively recognize what contributed to their success or their failure. 

So, building on this technique—before recording a second time, please utilize these two tips: 

1. Create your Persona Statement: This is a Vocal Awareness principle that helps you identify how you want to be known. The root of the word ‘persona’ means ‘through the sound’. Your identity is largely conveyed through the sound of your voice and how you speak. Please jot down a few adjectives that support your idealized ‘brand’, your identity. 

2. Write out four sentences from the statement you are practicing: Put a check mark, in Vocal Awareness the symbol for taking a breath, wherever it is strategically most effective to do so. Next, circle the periods at the end of each sentence. At the top of your document, please write ‘Take My Time’ and ‘Be my Self’.  

Once you have done this, prior to recording a second time, sit or stand comfortably. Before reading a few sentences a second time, focus on the annotation and initiate your narrative with a 5-second, slow, silent inhalation and record. Following this, listen back and take notes on the distinctions you observe.   

Then, if/when appropriate, do the same thing at work—perhaps initially with a phone call, recording your side of the conversation. Listen back. Each time you utilize this ‘game film’ strategy, you will notice the progress you are making and recognize there may be more authenticity, more confidence, more authority, et.al.  

As I say to all my clients at the end of a session:  Enjoy the Journey. 

Want to deeper into the Vocal Awareness Method? Visit our online courses.