Quick Voice Tips: Reflect On Your Own Diet
to give up everything joyful for the sake of your voice. No coffee. No dairy. No wine. No fun. I love a good vocal care chat as much as the next voice geek, but let’s be honest, a lot of the advice floating around online is questionable. Outdated. Or simply not relevant to you and […]
7 Ways to Keep Your Voice Happy This Cold & Flu Season
As I write this, I’m wrapped in a blanket, surrounded by tissues, and sounding like I’ve been on a three-week jazz tour with no understanding of vocal technique at all. Yep, the feckin’ cold’s got me. I stepped out of my little hermit bubble, mingled with actual humans, and their germs have taken up residence. […]
Why AI Shouldn’t Write Your First Draft
Let’s talk about first drafts. More and more people are using AI to write their early scripts, podcast intros, talks, presentations. (It’s easy to spot, by the way, so just be honest!) And I get it. It’s quick, satisfying, and spits out something that looks good right away. But here’s the problem: it’s too fecking […]
In Defence of “Authenticity” (and Other So-Called Cringe Buzzwords)
There’s been a lot of eye-rolling lately about the word “authenticity.” Apparently it’s a bit done. Bit meh. Bit cringe. But I want to offer a gentle defence – not just of that word, but of any word that’s trying to describe something tricky, like how we want to sound. Because here’s the thing: buzzword […]
Is Speaking Supposed to Be Fun? Maybe That’s Not the Point
Recently, while helping someone prepare for a big talk, they stopped mid-session and said, “I’m just not really having a good time.” And honestly? Fair. Speaking – especially when you’re not used to it – can feel a lot. Vulnerable. Exposing. But what that comment opened up was a bigger, more interesting question: Do we […]
Why Your First Draft Shouldn’t Be Perfect (Especially If You’re Speaking It)
So much of my work as a voice coach is helping people with the words – the words they want to speak or record. Whether it’s for a podcast intro, a corporate speech, a pitch, a keynote, or just that thing you’ve been putting off… it always comes back to this: How do the words […]
Facing Your First Speaking Gig? Read This First
“You Will Survive Your First Speaking Gig” A wee while ago I did 5 speaking gigs in one week. That’s a lot even for me! Two of them were completely new for me, too: My first ever presenting to camera with a teleprompter (proper studio setup, terrifying stuff!)My first time hosting a panel (I’ve been […]
Why Asking Questions at Events is Your Secret Speaker Superpower
If you’re sitting in an audience at an event, you might think your voice doesn’t matter if you’re not the one on stage. But here’s the thing: asking a question as an audience member? It’s an underrated speaker superpower. Whether you’re new to speaking or seasoned on the mic, putting your hand up in the […]
Embarking on a Holiday Soon? Here’s How to Keep Your Vocal Health Afloat
Holidays are all about relaxing, yes please, but changes in climate, food, and routine can take a fecking toll on your voice. Whether you’re soaking up the sun, sightseeing or just spending a week blissfully sitting on your arse, here’s how to keep your voice in top shape while enjoying your break. 1. Hydrate to […]
Do You Really Need to Slow Down When You Speak? Maybe Not
One of the most common pieces of feedback speakers get is: slow down. But here’s the truth – slowing down isn’t the right approach for everyone. Some accents are naturally fecking fast. Some brains work at high fecking speed and need to get thoughts out quickly to feel authentic. Some brands thrive on energy and […]
Your Voice: The Ultimate Attraction Marketing Tool
Have you ever stopped to think about how incredible it is that we all have different voices? Your voice—your accent, tone, and delivery—tells a story about who you are and where you come from. And the best part? It’s already one of the most powerful tools for attraction marketing you have. Why Your Voice Matters […]
The Power (and Problem) of the Pause in Speaking
Pausing is a classic speaking technique. It gives your audience time to absorb what you’re saying, and it gives you a chance to gather your thoughts. But here’s the thing – we’re overusing it. Have you ever noticed speakers slowing down by inserting unnecessary pauses? It feels dramatic to them, so they assume it feels […]
Reimagining Your Podcast with a Conversational Twist
Hola, fellow podcast pioneers! Are you stuck in the rut of overly scripted monologues that feel as dull as a grocery list? Want to add personality and keep your audience engaged? Let’s talk about how to craft conversational podcast scripts that feel natural and engaging. Why Does Conversational Scripting Matter? You’ve probably heard the advice: […]
Silence the Self-Doubt with Loving your Voice
A common concern I hear from my voice coaching clients is, “Why do I hate the sound of my own voice?” If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable listening to a recording of yourself, you’re not alone. But understanding why this happens can help you move past that discomfort and start embracing your unique sound. Why Does […]
Scripts, Bullet Points, or Speaking from Memory? Finding What Works for You for Podcasting
It’s a question that comes up with my podcast coaching clients a lot: reading from a script, using bullet points, or speaking straight from memory. Which should I choose? I think it’s important to say to start with is there’s no wrong answer here. Each method has its pros and cons, and knowing which one […]