Charisma: A special charm or allure that inspires allegiance or devotion.
Leadership: The ability to guide others.
Power: The ability to act or do with great influence, force or authority.(1)
I believe:
- All three of these are reflected in the sound of the human voice.
- That the human voice is the catalyst for creating action and,
- That the power of the human voice can make a difference for the better in a family, an organization, a corporation or a government.
Leading by being in control is no longer effective. One needs to lead by engaging with others—even if you are the head of a family, a community, a big company or a government. A leader’s vision and message needs to be well crafted and articulated, however the ability to engage others is, in large part, conveyed by the sound of his/her voice. If we look at 100% communication: 55% is body language, 35% is voice tone and 10% is the message content. (2) Verbal Judo (1) Webster’s New World Dictionary
A charismatic voice sends a powerful “sound message”. Think of Martin Luther King, John Kennedy, Nelson Mandela, Barbara Boxer, Ronald Regan, and Oprah Winfrey. Their individual spirit is heard in the sound of their voices! Even though you may not be aware of it, you react immediately on a “gut level”. And if their sound touches you positively you open to their message. You go on to decide if you feel they are confident, caring, responsible, powerful, credible, and trustworthy.
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Your voice can also connect with the heart, mind, soul and imagination of your listener and call them to ACTION. Your voice can project your personal charisma and lead people to a new understanding, or strategy, which influences them to take action and support your plan, or position. That support base then gives you, their leader, a position of power from which to make a difference.
I teach the art of the speaking voice from two perspectives. First correcting the common speaking problems such as:
- Speaking too fast,
- Mumbling and trailing off at the end of sentences,
- Speaking in a non-expressive monotone,
- Speaking softly and timidly.
- Speaking too loudly and harshly.
And second making you aware of your communication intentions.
- Who are you?
- What are you saying?
- Why are you saying it?
When you have answered these questions, you can use your voice to project your intentions clearly and dynamically. Simply said. Your message, which is made up of both your thoughts and your feelings, reflects your spirit and charisma and your voice and body language deliver that message to your audience.
Most would agree that charismatic leadership is necessary to lead organizations, companies, and governments. I believe that we are all leaders not only in our own lives but also in the lives of our friends, families, and associates and that you reach your life goals more quickly and effectively by using your voice to articulate your ideas, passions and feelings to your family, friends and colleagues and yes even to strangers. After all, he or she is only a stranger because he/she has not heard Your Voice!
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