<p>In today's world - because of technology like Voiceover IP - we're suddenly using the Internet to meet with our clients and talk about our products like never before. Using conferencing software tools such as GoToMeeting and Freeconferencecall, more and more businesses are inviting potential or existing clients <em>online</em> to attend webinars and teleseminars that update, educate and ultimately - sell their wares. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>It can put business people who are quite comfortable speaking in front of others in an awkward position because now they must use only their voices to communicate, without facial expressions or body gestures.&nbsp; Normally, in the presence of an individual or group of people, the speaker can add nuances like a wink or a frown, or by leaning in towards the audience or stepping back to create a mood and suggest a subtext to highlight a point being made.&nbsp; Unfortunately, all of this is missing over the phone.&nbsp; As a matter of fact, many people find that, just like with email, it's possible to inadvertently send a wrong signal over the phone because of the missing physical cues that are so critical to a conversation. <em>You</em> know you have a fabulous product, you certainly have a fantastic Power Point presentation - yet your job remains to create an entertaining and memorable experience that lets you promote your product by exciting and inspiring clients with only the sound of your voice.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Giving an effective online presentation by adding color, texture and rhythm to your words - much like a singer or a storyteller employs - can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of your call.&nbsp;</p> <p>Here are the benefits to be gained by allowing a vocal coach to teach you how to improve your presentation through the use your voice.</p> <p>First of all, you will improve your vocal quality.&nbsp; Many people tend to tense their throats or resonate too much in their nose.&nbsp; However, by discovering how your voice works and the four different resonating cavities in your throat and head, you can develop a warmer, more attractive tone.&nbsp; Also, learning how to use your breath to support your voice will help you avoid vocal strain - especially in circumstances where your presentation is fairly lengthy. &nbsp;Yet another benefit of improving your speaking technique is that it will energize you, because it will provide more oxygen to your brain - helping you stay alert as you speak.</p> <p>Aside from how you produce your voice, you also want people to really comprehend the ideas and concepts you strive to communicate.&nbsp; In music and storytelling, the artist learns how to "swing" a phrase in a way that leads the audience's ears.&nbsp; This is achieved by paying attention to rhythmic accents and employing colors and contrasts in how you pronounce certain words.&nbsp; The trademark of an excellent singer or storyteller is that the audience loses track of time and space because they are so completely focused on listening to the song or story.&nbsp; Speakers can do this as well by applying many of the same tricks of the trade that performing artists use.&nbsp; The client's comprehension goes up because they are really listening to every word.&nbsp;</p> <p>Learning these storytelling techniques might sound a little overwhelming at first, but the rules are fairly simple and straightforward.&nbsp; They offer you a consistent roadmap that you can use to create a dynamic presentation now and in any future talk you might prepare.&nbsp; People won't recognize how you've manipulated your speech; they'll just find themselves extremely interested in what you have to say! And most importantly, they'll remember what you've said.</p> <p>Having a formula for consistently shaping your words and knowing that you are using them to their fullest effect will give you more confidence in your presentation because you'll know exactly what you are doing.</p> 2009-03-20T02:09:40Z -9.90586 287 3744 true 15 26757 increase-your-sales-effectiveness-by-improving-your-presentation-skills 1 2009-03-28T16:06:54Z 2009-03-28T16:06:54Z

This article lays out the benefits of using a vocal coach to help boost your “virtual” presentation skills where facial expressions and body gestures are no longer available as part of the communication process.

1 2009-03-28T16:06:54Z