Harness your vocal powers

Miawling Lam

Hollywood actor Robin Williams, cricket commentator Richie Benaud and American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan know all about the importance and power of the human voice.

The trio have not only become synonymous with their respective genres, but have built multi-million-dollar empires based on their vocal talents.

Judging by the effects the spoken word can have on people, a leading Sydney-based voice coach argues that people can even draw on their vocal cords to further their careers.

Monique Rissen-Harrisberg, chief executive of public-speaking specialists The Voice Clinic, believes it’s crucial that people learn to change the tone and inflection of their voice.

Considering employers are naturally drawn to well-spoken, articulate people, it’s necessary job-hunters concentrate on honing their oral skills, she says.

“In every communication message, if one looks at the statistics, the voice counts for 38 per cent of every communication message.

“The voice is a key factor, and it reflects who we are, so one really needs to learn to modulate and control the pitch of their voice, slow down when they’re talking, and learn voice techniques.”

According to Rissen-Harrisberg, these measures should be abided by at all times, particularly during the interview stages, when presentation
is crucial.

She says people should speak clearly and loudly, vary their tone and try to express their thoughts using a lower pitch, as it generally conveys greater integrity, sincerity and professionalism.

Most important, job-hunters should convey their energy and passion via their voice and avoid projecting hysteria.

Rissen-Harrisberg adds that although telephonists, receptionists, secretaries and salespeople are required to possess calm, strong voices, company directors and business managers also need to be well spoken because they head their companies’ board meetings.

The training program, which teaches participants a range of voice techniques and reverses any lazy habits they may have developed over the years, enables people to harness the power of their voice.

“We work on each person’s issues and voice,” Rissen-Harrisberg says, adding that each client is looked at on an individual basis.

“We assess their voice by recording it and playing it back to them, then work through any areas they’re not happy with.”

The Voice Clinic’s hour-long classes, which can run as long as 12 weeks, have already transformed the lives of thousands of people.

Rissen-Harrisberg says the program not only teaches people how to use the full potential of their voice, but that the training has flow-on effects.

“When one works on their voice, one develops the entire person, and their confidence and self-esteem improve,” she says.

“The voice is a very flexible and dynamic instrument, and by developing its potential the world can be your oyster.”

The Sunday Telegraph, February 10, 2008