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When preparing for a job interview or a workplace negotiation, most of us will spend a great deal of time deciding what to wear and thinking about what we will say. But according to Monique Rissen-Harrisberg, founder and CEO of the Voice Clinic in Sydney, it’s not what you say but how you say it, that matters most.
Monique told Australian Women Online “Very often people think that it’s what they say that is important. But it is the overall impression you will leave with the listener that matters most.”
“People will generally assess us according to the way that we speak. 38 per cent is attributed to the quality of the voice, seven per cent to the content of what we’re saying and the balance is actually what we look like – the visual impression we’re creating and the body language.”
A voice that is lower in pitch will be more well received than a high pitch voice. Very often a high pitched voice will indicate stress and anxiety, and more of an A type personality.
“Generally we want a voice that will project emotional intelligence, maturity and integrity, but at the same time, enthusiasm and warmth. The kind of voice that one definitely doesn’t want is a mumbly voice. So clarity is very important,” said Monique.
Of course since women’s voices are generally higher in pitch, it would seem we are at a distinct disadvantage in the workplace. But the good news is that a voice can be trained to be more commanding without losing any of it’s uniquely feminine characteristics.
“We work on breathing techniques, intercostal diaphramatic breathing which is really teaching them how to breath right down to the base of the lungs rather than up into the chest area. That reduces stress, reduces anxiety and gives people vocal control. It also reduces nervousness when standing up to give a presentation or handling a radio or TV interview.”
“And then we would work on finding the resonance and musical power behind the voice, the bass tones of the voice. Then we would work on having more variety in the voice and make the voice more interesting,” said Monique.
Another technique used by voice coaches is what is known in the industry as ‘voice aerobics’ which involves exercising the organs of articulation which are the lips, tongue, teeth and palate.
Elocution, the lengthening of vowel sounds by repeating phrases such as the one made famous by Audrey Hepburn in the movie My Fair Lady “How now brown cow” is still used today. Monique Rissen-Harrisberg says she has recommended the film to quite a few of her clients.
In a high pressure situation like a job interview people also have a tendency to use what are referred to as filler words. These are the um’s and ah’s that we use to fill the uncomfortable silences when gathering our thoughts. Monique says we should use as few of these as possible.
“You want to come across as confident, enthusiastic and professional. But at the same time you don’t want to over sell yourself by talking too much, or you could talk yourself right out of a job.”
The Voice Clinic in Sydney has been helping both men and women to find their voice since 1988. For more information visit the website www.thevoiceclinic.com.au