Clever Girl: Cheryl Cole works with a voice coach

I read an interesting report in the Daily Mail today, saying that Cheryl Cole, who has just won a huge contract to appear on American TV is having vocal coaching.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1360171/X-Factor-USA-Cheryl-Cole-flies-LA-meet-voice-coach-role-preparation.html

I like Cheryl's voice and in particular her accent. The Geordie accent is a warm, friendly, happy accent. However, unless you are familiar with the accent and slang words, it is a challenge to understand what is being said. The same applies to any strong accent, whether it be UK Posh; Texas or even Sarah Palin.

Cheryl has made a very smart move; she is wanting to be a success in USA, so she is modifying her accent and vocabulary for the new audience/environment. Instead of saying 'biscuits' apparently she'll be saying 'cookies' and 'pants' for 'trousers'. She will also be working on her diction and vowel sounds so that her speech is much clearer for the audience.

She is making it easy for her audience to listen to her. By making her accent clear to them, and changing her vocabulary, they won't have to work so hard to listen and understand her. This is a positive, successful approach. How many times have you listened to someone speak in meetings, at conferences or on the TV where it is hard work listening and understanding their accent? Do you switch off too? I certainly do!

Cheryl is doing the right thing by modifying her speech. I wish her the best of luck!

Executive Voice also do 'Accent Calming' services for individuals and teams. Go to our website http://www.executivevoice.co.uk or call 0844 576 3015 to discuss your vocal requirements.

Positive Stories from the 'High Heel and Lipstick Memo' story at the Bank of England

As a business woman I could not fail to be surprised - well horrified by the headlines and story of women finance workers at the Bank of England receiving a memo instructing them to wear heels and lipstick in the office. Here is the link from the Telegraph report.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/4421656/Women-workers-told-to-wear-lipstick-and-two-inch-heels-in-Bank-of-England-memo.html

The publicity was somewhat 'unfortunate' given the present profile of the finance sector, and it did nothing to reverse the myth (?) of sexism in the city. However, it did focus on the importance of 'image' within an organisation. It is usual for consultants to focus on the impact of physical appearance as a way to create an image. This is correct and it makes huge sense to have another person - professional or not, give you advice on the visual image you are portraying.
However, audio image - your voice - is equally important and the most important skill when you are on the telephone.

18 months ago, I worked with a dynamic Tyne side based estate agency. The majority of their business was with wealth investors from the South East, who were purchasing re-development projects and increasing property portfolios for £1M + figures. The enthusiastic staff had all had a 'make over' and they now wore a corporate 'uniform'. However, they had received feedback from
clients saying that they were put off by 'the manner' of the largely female employees. I did some research before working with them, and when calling the office, I could hear laughter, swearing and general 'horseplay' behaviour in the background. The receptionist also called me 'Pet'.
Now I spent three happy years in the North East at University, and I know that people from Tyne side are warm, friendly individuals. 'Pet' is a friendly term and not derogatory in any way. However, to a high powered business man who is wanting to invest serious money, this greeting is not welcome - and viewed with concern!
I also accompanied employees on viewings, and their interaction with potential clients was friendly - but again, not considered appropriate for the type of business relationship.
Through working with this fine group, we were able to establish an appropriate 'Speaking style' for the office: with clients and on the telephone. The employees were able to understand that in the same way as we wear work clothes, we have to adopt a particular type of 'work' behaviour and speech. We also created a framework of how to answer the phone, and awareness of behaviour in the office - to ensure nothing inappropriate was heard on the phone! Whilst not wishing to dampen the natural warmth and friendliness of the employees we were able to create a more positive, professional image that was appropriate for their business and the type of client they were attracting - and wishing to attract. As this work was conducted as a workshop: with everyone involved and valued, the whole team took ownership of this.
As a result, the employees felt they had received guidance on how to behave: the professional image they needed to adopt. For some, they had received no guidance on this before and was an invaluable skill to acquire. From the company's perspective, this changed their image in the eyes of it's employees, customers and competitors in a positive way.

So, although we can sniff at a headline about Image, it is worthwhile considering the image - visual as well as vocal, that we are projecting to our clients and competitors.

To have advice on how you can manage your vocal image, call 0844 576 3015 or email susan@executivevoice.co.uk

BBC Three Counties Radio Interview

I now have a recording of the interview I had with the wonderful Lorna Milton on Three Counties Radio. I have posted it onto the home page of the website: www.executivevoice.co.uk I have been invited back to follow the progress of Kelly Betts; I am currently coaching her and over a period of time we will be able to measure her progress. Kelly is a great client; she works hard and is picking up new skills all the time. She is an absolute pleasure to train!
I will keep you posted as to when I appear again.

Three Counties Radio Broadcast

In case you missed Executive Voice's appearance on Three Counties Radio with the wonderful Lorna Milton, here is the link. It will only be up until Sunday 19th October.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/mainframe.shtml?http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/three.shtml

The experience was very positive and I will discuss working in a studio environment in a future blog. The constraints were not being able to move very far (6") from the microphone. I normally demonstrate by standing beside a client, but this wasn't possible. Lorna and Kelly were absolutely charming, and I hope to be invited in again (they did invite me!)

Hear Executive Voice on Three Counties Radio

I am appearing on Three Counties Radio on Monday 13th October - from 2pm until 2.20pm. The format will be that Lorna Milton, the presenter will interview me about my experience as a vocal and communications coach. There will then be an opportunity for listeners to call with specific queries regarding public speaking, speaking on the telephone, interviews etc.

I am really looking forward to the opportunity to explain what I do. If you have any questions - do let me know!

I will try to get a sound sample of the interview to put on here!

Earlier this week, my husband and I watched Sarah Palin, the Republican Vice Presidential candidate on television. She's one 'tough cookie' as my American cousins would no doubt say. She came across very positively, but there were two aspects of her delivery that, in my opinion, let me down. I'm being picky here because the current president is no master of delivery, but that's another story.

My husband shouted at the TV "She's squeaky; she's high!" When she spoke, her voice became higher pitched and squawky as she became more passionate. It then becomes more difficult to listen to. Men are not able to hear high pitched noises and voices clearly and will switch off. Anyone that has experienced a baby crying at night, and your husband does not awake knows exactly what I mean. If Ms Palin wants to deliver a powerful speech, she needs to address this, so that EVERYONE can hear her message.

The other point I noted was that her diction wasn't too hot. There are a variety of accents in the States, but I found it quite difficult comprehending and picking up everything she was saying.

Women in high profile positions do have to work harder at their presentation skills. Margaret Thatcher and Baroness Boothroyd, who had to deliver plenty of public speeches both consciously dropped their voices to a lower pitch, to make them more audible and an easier tone to listen to. Women have a tendency (myself included) to make their voices higher, and therefore screechy, when they are angry or getting more passionate about a topic. We therefore have to work hard to avoid this, to ensure our messages get across to the whole audience.

Perhaps Ms Palin needs some vocal coaching. Do give her my number.