Closing the deal, there's more to it than what you say. It's about how you say it with tone, inflection and the rate of speech. The way in which you use these elements can make or break you. With a little practice and some "fine-tuning" you can develop the vocal charisma that makes you the successful individual you are!
As CEO of Accent On Business, I have helped professionals develop the skill of speaking with persuasion for over two decades. My specialties include: Accent Reduction, Voice & Speech Coaching and Presentation Skills.
If you're not seeing the results you want contact Accent On Business and see how we can help! We're here to help you both on a professional and personal level. Be Heard. Get Results.
Use It: Don't Lose It!
The importance of a good voice.
A major component of effective speech delivery is the physical health of your voice. Under the duress of a cold, of dehydration, or even of excessive speaking, your speech quality may dwindle. Even the most precise and energetic of speakers are susceptible to voice injuries that may affect their business, whether they are sharing information, closing a sale, or giving instructions as a project manager.
If you experience difficulty such as coughing, losing your voice or vocal strain, seek help early. Don't wait for a chronic problem to develop. Training is recommended for those who rely on their voices professionally. A voice consultation can be a business lifesaver for many. Speaking techniques and vocal-protection techniques can be taught that will bring out your most effective voice, protect your voice from minor problems and more permanent damage, and keep your voice sounding healthy and young.
If you experience difficulty such as coughing, losing your voice or vocal strain, seek help early. Don't wait for a chronic problem to develop. Training is recommended for those who rely on their voices professionally. A voice consultation can be a business lifesaver for many. Speaking techniques and vocal-protection techniques can be taught that will bring out your most effective voice, protect your voice from minor problems and more permanent damage, and keep your voice sounding healthy and young.
Time for a Vocal Tune-Up!
I dare you to try them, they really work!
These tips are great for those of you who cough, have dry mouth, a hoarse voice or suffer from allergies.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking which dry out the vocal cords and surrounding tissues. Instead of reaching for that third coffee or diet caffeinated soda, fill up on a glass of water or juice.
- Protect the lining of the respiratory tract by avoiding smoky, dusty, and chemically toxic environments. If you're in one of these environments temporarily, use a steam inhaler when you return home. You can purchase these inexpensive devices in most pharmacies.
- Keep yourself hydrated. If your throat feels a bit dry, keep a decaffeinated beverage nearby. Eat "wet foods" during the day, such as soups and fruits, and sip water when speaking for longer amounts of time and during conversations and meetings. People who speak all day, such as salespeople and teachers, should drink several glasses of water to help maintain their voices.
- Avoid dairy products, oily foods, and mayonnaise during lunch if you'll be speaking after lunch. These make you feel as if you need to clear your throat, which strains your vocal cords.
- If you suffer from acid reflux, your larynx may be affected. Because the entrance to the esophagus is near the larynx, your voice may be easily strained with even a normal amount of speaking. When preparing for a presentation or other demanding speaking commitment, be sure to treat acid reflux according to your doctor's recommendations.
- Rest your voice and use it less if you feel that it is starting to sound hoarse before your presentation. If your voice feels tired after the presentation, be quiet and try not to talk for the rest of the day.
- Avoid cough drops and mints as they irritate the throat and the vocal cords. Over-the-counter cough drops rely on chemicals such as menthol that can diminish the mucous membranes in your throat and larynx, making the vocal folds more vulnerable to irritation and infection. Lozenges with pain-killer properties may also mask illness or vocal strain. Instead, try lemon drops (hard candy) or ice chips.
- Repeated throat-clearing can damage your voice. You may be reacting to a nervous habit and clearing your throat without a physical reason. If excessive throat-clearing persists without physical symptoms, you may want to consult a voice professional.
Fun & Educational Classes!
When you need professional help!
- Be A Better Public Speaker
- You been asked to give a presentation, now where do you start? How do you make it lasting, impactful and how do you handle that ball of nerves that's sitting on your shoulders? I'm here to help! I offer sessions that will teach you how to compose a great speech, cope with stage fright, and deliver speeches with impact and charisma!
- Neurolinguistic Programming
- Business professionals face challenging people and events everyday. They may ask how they can better relate to their client(s), give a more dynamic presentation or simply, get better results. The answer is clear: Neurolinguistic Programming. You've heard people talk about it, but how does it impact your communication with prospects and current customers? Learn about NLP and how to use its concepts in building your relationship as a trusted advisor to your clients.
- 60 Second Commercial
- Have you ever been to one of those networking groups? You're given nothing more than 60 seconds to describe your business, how it works and what you can do for a potential client. Many times we're so wrapped up in describing what we do, that we lose sight of how to make an impact. So ask yourself, what can you say in 60 seconds that'll get you noticed?
