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Articles from Nancy Daniels | Selfgrowth.com
- ***Ladies, Plagued With a Voice That Is Irritating? - by Submitted on Oct 08, 2011 from Nancy DanielsWomen often wonder why men don’t listen. There are a number of possibilities, one of which could be that your voice is irritating. If you have a whiny, high-pitched, nasal sound that is reminiscent of a poorly-tuned violin, then the image you are projecting is definitely not one of warmth, ...
Views: 3420(3 votes) - ***Learn to Breathe Correctly: It Will Make Your Voice and Your Presentations Stand Out! - by Submitted on Jan 02, 2012 from Nancy DanielsAs a voice coach, the first thing I teach my clients is how to breathe with the support of the diaphragm. The reason is because you cannot discover your ‘real’ voice until you learn this simple technique. When I discuss your ‘real’ voice, I am not talking about using different words or ...
Views: 2469(2 votes) - ***One of the Best Kept Secrets of Dynamic Public Speaking - by Submitted on Jul 25, 2011 from Nancy DanielsDo you know what one of the best kept secrets is in public speaking? It has nothing to do with your material but is vital in your delivery. All the great speakers do it while many novices do not. It is easy to do and natural. In fact, you do it in normal conversation with your family, ...
Views: 2676(1 vote) - ***One of the Little Known Secrets of Dynamic Public Speaking - by Submitted on May 03, 2011 from Nancy DanielsHave you ever sat in an auditorium, hall, church, or theater and listened to the coughing, sniffling, shuffling of papers and overall restlessness of those in the audience during a rather dull presentation or speech? It happens and it happens when the speaker is not very dynamic. Too often, ...
Views: 2248(2 votes) - ***Public Speaking Is NOT About You - It Is About Them! - by Submitted on Jul 23, 2012 from Nancy DanielsYou’ve been invited to speak or perhaps your boss has ‘requested’ you speak. Whatever your reason for speaking, if you are like most people, nervousness takes over as you begin the process of anxiously awaiting the date. Hopefully, you create your speech or presentation well in advance and ...
Views: 3405(1 vote) - ***Public Speaking Is the Art of Communicating WITH an Audience - by Submitted on Sep 24, 2010 from Nancy DanielsIf you are looking for the best means of delivering a speech or presentation, the first thing you need to understand is that public speaking is a form of oral communication with an audience. Too often, speakers do not recognize that this form of delivery is a 2-way street. They assume that the ...
Views: 1864(1 vote) - ***Public Speaking Is the Art of Communicating WITH an Audience - by Submitted on Sep 24, 2010 from Nancy DanielsIf you are looking for the best means of delivering a speech or presentation, the first thing you need to understand is that public speaking is a form of oral communication with an audience. Too often, speakers do not recognize that this form of delivery is a 2-way street. They assume that the ...
Views: 1582(1 vote) - ***Stop Yelling - Start Projecting - by Submitted on Jun 23, 2011 from Nancy DanielsTrying to run a business from your home with children underfoot requires that you are in control of them, of yourself, and of your business as well. That control is much more likely when you can use your voice to keep your kids in line. But it doesn’t mean yelling at them. In raising my ...
Views: 3440(2 votes) - ***The #1 Injury Super Bowl Fans Will Experience This Sunday - by Submitted on Feb 04, 2010 from Nancy DanielsDefinitely the biggest day of the year when it comes to sporting events in America, Sunday’s Super Bowl game will result in thousands of injuries for fans that most will not take seriously. No, it is not overeating, gastric reflux, or drunken stupors. It does not involve your legs, your arms ...
Views: 2254(2 votes) - ***The 2 Best Ways to Control Your Speed When Speaking - by Submitted on May 12, 2014 from Nancy DanielsOften I find that unclear or poor diction is due to talking at 100 mph. It is certainly not uncommon to hear it in people in which English is not their 1st language; however, it can also occur for speakers in any language whether it is their mother tongue or a 2nd language. Bear in mind that ...
Views: 1665(2 votes) - ***The 2 Best Ways to Control Your Speed When Speaking - by Submitted on May 12, 2014 from Nancy DanielsOften I find that unclear or poor diction is due to talking at 100 mph. It is certainly not uncommon to hear it in people in which English is not their 1st language; however, it can also occur for speakers in any language whether it is their mother tongue or a 2nd language. Bear in mind that ...
Views: 1665(2 votes) - ***The 3 Causes of Breathlessness in Public Speaking & How to Cure It - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2011 from Nancy DanielsOne of the most common complaints I hear from clients is that they run out of air at the lectern. If this is a problem for you, let me ask you a question. Do you experience breathlessness in normal conversation? Your answer is probably No. If you do not run out of air when you are speaking ...
Views: 3242(1 vote) - ***The Best Means of Reducing Stess - by Submitted on May 01, 2011 from Nancy DanielsWhen I heard Dr. John Gray, author of the best-selling Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, talking about his book, Why Mars & Venus Collide, I found it interesting when he described the differences in how men and women handle stress as well as why the sexes treat stress differently. If I ...
Views: 2845(1 vote) - ***The Problem May Not Be Your English, It Might Be Your Diction - by Submitted on May 12, 2014 from Nancy DanielsMany of my clients speak English as a second language, initially contacting me because they are not being understood when they speak. Of course, they question if their English skills are lacking. In 99% of the cases, I have found that their English is good; it is their diction that is the ...
Views: 1461(2 votes) - ***The Right Way to Increase Your Volume Without Shouting - by Submitted on May 12, 2011 from Nancy DanielsOne of the difficulties many people have is to the ability to increase their volume without hurting their throat or their listeners’ ears. The right way to do this is known as projection and is only possible if you are powering your voice from your chest cavity. There is a right way to ...
Views: 6917(2 votes) - ***The Value of Listeniing in Good Public Speaking - by Submitted on Dec 14, 2009 from Nancy DanielsYou talk; they listen. You move; they watch. You make a joke; they laugh. You say something profound; they muse or applaud or frown. My question to you is whether you ‘listen’ to your audience or not. As much as you are the center of attention when addressing an audience, are you aware of ...
Views: 2239(2 votes) - ***Those Who Teach Voice and Those Who Think They Teach Voice - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2011 from Nancy DanielsI recently read an article by a man who teaches presentation skills. He was discussing the fact that most people hate their voice on recording equipment because it is unfamiliar to their ear. What 'floored me' about his message was that he was suggesting you accept it and live with it. ...
Views: 2935(2 votes) - ***Want More Color and Life in Your Voice? - by Submitted on Jul 18, 2011 from Nancy DanielsWhen I teach my clients or my students how to speak with emotion, I emphasize that there is no right or wrong answer with color. Color is the life, the emotion, the animation you express in speaking. Color is determined by your topic as well as your mood or attitude. The only thing that would ...
Views: 2886(2 votes) - ***What Are Your Options If You Forget While Public Speakiing? - by Submitted on Aug 14, 2009 from Nancy DanielsAdmittedly, part of the difficulty for many in presenting is just this fear. It happens to lots of speakers; it has certainly happened to me. Even with notes or some form of visual aid upon which to refer, however, you may find yourself at a total loss as to how to continue. What is the ...
Views: 2379(1 vote) - ***What Image Do You Project When Approaching the Lectern? - by Submitted on May 21, 2010 from Nancy DanielsOften we are so consumed by our speech or presentation, our delivery, or our nervousness, that we fail to recognize the value of composure in approaching the lectern or the head of the boardroom table. You are judged not only when you begin to speak but also during your walk to the front of the ...
Views: 3097(1 vote) - ***What Is the Best Speed for Speaking? - by Submitted on Apr 08, 2011 from Nancy DanielsSome people talk fast, some talk too slowly, and some are moderate. In public speaking, those who speak at a moderate rate are the easiest to follow over any given length of time. I knew of a speaker in Toronto who believed that talking as fast as you can was ideal. I beg to differ. ...
Views: 8146(1 vote) - ***What Is Your Voicemail Message Saying About You? - by Submitted on Dec 09, 2009 from Nancy DanielsYou are probably not comfortable hearing your voice on your voicemail or your answering machine and yet you may not realize that if you hear your voice that way, so does everyone else. Because the manner in which you hear yourself is vastly different than what the recording equipment is telling ...
Views: 3751(2 votes) - ***What Shapes Your Voice -- Environment or Genes? - by Submitted on Dec 13, 2009 from Nancy DanielsSurprisingly, the answer to that question is actually your environment. While the innate quality of the speaking voice is something you inherit, there are numerous environmental factors that play a viable role in how you sound and speak. If you were raised in one of the southern states, it is ...
Views: 7622(1 vote) - ***What Should You Do With Your Hands When Public Speaking? - by Submitted on Aug 07, 2009 from Nancy DanielsOne of the most common questions I hear from my clients when they are practicing their presentation skills, is what should they do with their hands? That is a good question, so let me answer that question with a question to you? What do you do with your hands when you are in conversation? ...
Views: 2942(1 vote) - ***What You Can Learn from Clint Eastwood for Improving Your Presentation Skills - by Submitted on Aug 12, 2009 from Nancy DanielsActors wow us, amaze us, and inspire us but one, in particular, displays a level of confidence that I would wish for all in public speaking. The actor I am referring to is Clint Eastwood. In all the roles he plays, he never doubts himself. It is that level of belief in yourself and your ...
Views: 2930(1 vote) - ***What You Need to Do in Public Speaking That You Probably Don't Do - by Submitted on Jan 08, 2010 from Nancy DanielsDo you know the #1 thing most novice speakers never think to do when delivering a presentation? It never crosses their mind and yet it is the one thing they are in desperate need of throughout their talk. And, once they lose it, they are in a constant race to catch up on it. No, I am not ...
Views: 3071(1 vote) - ***Which World-Renowned Motivational Speaker Is Suffering from Severe Vocal Abuse? - by Submitted on May 21, 2010 from Nancy DanielsThe other day I heard a commercial with 2 motivational speakers and was appalled at how bad one of the voices sounded. Having not heard this particular man in several years, I was stunned by the amount of hoarseness with which he is afflicted. Considering that his voice is his meal-ticket, I ...
Views: 9509(1 vote) - ***Why We Are Attracted to a Deep Voice - by Submitted on Jan 11, 2011 from Nancy DanielsWhen it comes to the speaking voice, those which are most appealing to your ear, tend to be deep in pitch. Think of James Earl Jones, Felicia Rashad, Diane Sawyer and Sean Connery. All of these voices have a depth and breadth that you do not hear with the likes of Fran Drescher or Don Johnson. ...
Views: 4094(3 votes) - ***Without Practice, Your Presentation is Doomed! - by Submitted on Aug 14, 2009 from Nancy DanielsWhen it comes to public speaking, so much attention is given to the preparation and ensuing delivery of your material that the practice of your speech or presentation is often overlooked. I am amazed at how many people go over their script or their outline in their head and never say their ...
Views: 2226(1 vote) - ***Your Speaking Voice and the Image It Projects - by Submitted on Oct 04, 2011 from Nancy DanielsThe other day a woman phoned me and her volume was so loud that I had to move the phone away from my ear. My immediate opinion of the caller was that she was overbearing. Her loud volume was making a statement about her that may or may not have been true. Another recent voice was by a ‘man’ ...
Views: 2552(2 votes) - ***The 2 Things You Must Do to Be Heard in the Club Scene and Not Lose Your Voice in the Process! - by Submitted on Nov 20, 2009 from Nancy DanielsA surprising number of young men email me regarding the difficulty they are having being heard at the club scene. What is happening is that they are yelling and are ending up with sore throats. Is there a way to solve this problem aside from not speaking? The answer lies in learning how ...
Views: 3192(6 votes) - ***A Great Exercise for Eliminating Nasality - by Submitted on Jun 12, 2012 from Nancy DanielsThere is no question that excessive nasality, also known as hypernasality, can be like nails on a blackboard. Just listen to Fran Drescher for any great length of time and you may find that her whiny, nasal sound becomes quite annoying. There are 3 sounds in the English language which ...
Views: 3404(4 votes) - ***Do These 3 Things and You Can Sound As Good As You Look! - by Submitted on Jan 17, 2012 from Nancy DanielsAre you concerned with the image you project? If you are like most people, your answer is probably ‘Yes.’ When you hear yourself on your voicemail, answering machine, or some other type of recording equipment, can you appreciate that that sound is part of the image you are projecting? ...
Views: 2891(4 votes) - ***Ladies, Is Your Face a 10 and Your Speaking Voice a 2? - by Submitted on Jan 12, 2012 from Nancy DanielsYes, we are a sex very concerned with the image we project. We exercise on a regular basis; we are more aware of the foods we are eating; we try to get a good night’s sleep. As women, we want to look good; and, as we age, we know it takes more work. Our clothing is of the latest fashion; we ...
Views: 3008(4 votes) - ***Are You Ready to End Your Chronic Hoarseness and Persistent Sore Throats? - by Submitted on Dec 13, 2009 from Nancy DanielsIf you suffer from chronic hoarseness and are not sick, then you are likely in the throes of vocal abuse. While it is possible that certain antihistamines or other types of medications can produce irritation in your throat, for many people, prescribed drugs are not the cause. Vocal abuse is. ...
Views: 4033(3 votes) - ***If Communication Is Your Bread and Butter, Voice Training Should Be on Your To-Do List - by Submitted on Apr 07, 2013 from Nancy DanielsSo many people rely on their voice for their business – yet so many people are unaware that their voice can have a tremendous impact on the success of their business. When you hear yourself on recording equipment or an answering machine, for example, what is your reaction? While your 1st ...
Views: 2094(3 votes) - ***If Your Voice Is Childlike, What Image Are You Projecting? - by Submitted on Jun 18, 2012 from Nancy DanielsI hear it all the time: women phoning me and complaining that their voice sounds like that of a child. If you have this problem, then the image you are projecting is not one of confidence or maturity. The good news is that you have a better voice inside of you which is resonant and more ...
Views: 2326(6 votes) - ***Learn How to Increase Your Volume Without Shouting - by Submitted on Jun 19, 2012 from Nancy DanielsTo yell or shout is offensive to your listeners’ ears and can be offensive to your throat and vocal folds (cords) as well. Over time, continual yelling can do untold damage to both your pharynx and larynx. So what is the answer when you need to increase your volume? Learn how to speak with ...
Views: 2266(3 votes) - ***3 Steps for Overcoming a Voice That Is Monotone - by Submitted on May 12, 2014 from Nancy DanielsIf you have been told that you speak in a monotone or if you have heard yourself on a recording and find your voice lacking in expression, it is time to do something about it. This is important for reasons both personal and professional. Boring doesn't sell; boring isn't interesting; and boring ...
Views: 2092(4 votes) - ***5 Reasons Someone Else May Get the Job Instead of You - by Submitted on Jan 30, 2012 from Nancy DanielsImagine that there are number of candidates for a particular job and all of the candidates have similar education and experience. Without a doubt, the choice is going to be difficult. Now let’s imagine that of all who are applying for the position, one candidate in particular has strong ...
Views: 2744(2 votes) - ***Addressing a Small Group Has Its Own Rewards in Public Speaking - by Submitted on Oct 17, 2009 from Nancy DanielsWhile many public speakers ideally want to speak to the masses and are looking for large audiences with which to market their knowledge, their opinions, or their products, there are definite rewards in addressing small groups. And while your format will be the same, your delivery will be ...
Views: 2504(2 votes) - ***Discover Your Deeper, Sexier Voice - by Submitted on Nov 14, 2011 from Nancy DanielsThere is no doubt about it. You’ve got one: a richer, warmer speaking voice that, given the right tone, can be very, very hot. It is merely a matter of finding it. Most speaking voices need work because most voices are higher in pitch than they should be. (Pitch deals with the highness ...
Views: 2629(2 votes) - ***Do You Know What Color Refers to in Speaking? - by Submitted on Nov 19, 2013 from Nancy DanielsBeing expressive when you speak is referred to as color. Color is heard in the various and vivid effects of your vocal sound: it is also seen in your facial expression and body language. Speaking without color is called speaking in a monotone. It is also called boring. You can have the ...
Views: 1671(2 votes) - ***Hearing Only Half the Sentence Is Not Quite As Good As Hearing the Whole Thing! - by Submitted on Nov 14, 2011 from Nancy DanielsFor those of you refuse to interrupt your sentences to breathe, you have a mass of listeners who are frustrated because they do not catch the 2nd half of your sentences. Do you know why this is? I’ll give you a clue. It’s got something to do with oxygen. Without air, there is no voice. ...
Views: 3154(2 votes) - ***How Important Are Presentation Skills in Your Career Advancement? - by Submitted on Sep 11, 2011 from Nancy DanielsDo you think the ability to speak effectively is important in your career? Whatever your job, be it working for someone else or starting your own company, presentation skills today are at the top of the ladder when it comes to business. And, you have the internet to thank for ...
Views: 3671(2 votes) - ***How to Increase Your Volume and Be Heard the 1st Time You Say It - by Submitted on Aug 16, 2011 from Nancy DanielsLack of volume in speaking is a big problem for many people. Unfortunately, this characteristic can label you incorrectly. While it is possible that your soft-spoken voice is due to a lack of confidence, it is also possible that you speak softly because you were raised to speak softly. If ...
Views: 2283(2 votes) - ***If You Clip Your Words, Your Message Can Get Lost - by Submitted on Jul 06, 2011 from Nancy DanielsRecently I was talking to a woman on the phone and I was continually asking her to repeat herself. When our business was completed, I told her that because of the way she clipped her words, I had missed much of what she was saying. Admittedly, had I been facing her in conversation, it would ...
Views: 2688(2 votes) - ***If Your Listeners Pull Back When You Are Talking, Then You Are Too Loud - by Submitted on Aug 16, 2011 from Nancy DanielsDuring a recent 2-day workshop I was holding, one of the participants was a lovely woman by the name of Angie who had a big, nasal voice. When she got excited, not only did the pitch of her speaking voice rise, but her volume increased as well. Does that sound familiar? While speaking too ...
Views: 2576(2 votes) - ***Increasing Your Volume Correctly Is Called Projection -- Anything Else is Shouting - by Submitted on Jan 16, 2012 from Nancy DanielsIt never ceases to amaze me how many people yell or shout doing great damage to their throats and vocal folds. In addition, a voice produced by yelling hurts your listeners’ ears. There is a technique, however, which saves both your throat and everyone else’s ears. It is called ...
Views: 4765(2 votes) - ***Is Breathlessness a Problem For You in Public Speaking? - by Submitted on Aug 30, 2011 from Nancy DanielsOne of the most common complaints I hear from my students and clients is lack of air in public speaking. This is indeed a problem because without air, there is no voice. And, without voice, there is no speech or presentation. Breathlessness can be easily ‘cured’ by supplementing your air ...
Views: 2756(2 votes)