This is the story of TJ, an entrepreneur well on his way to achieving his grand plan.  His 3-month voice program took place mid-2009.  These journal snippets capture his progress, his frustrations and the vocal changes he achieved during that time.

TJ's purpose was to release and apply his untapped vocal strength fully and effectively.  It was at his suggestion that we kept individual journals of his progress.  Here, we share the highs and lows of his development with you.  You can find additional case studies at the Voice & Word Makeovers Blog.

I met TJ about 6 years ago and was impressed by his determination, clear vision and extensive business experience.  We spoke then about his vocal impact and his desire to improve his spoken presentation and communication.  This is his story.

Sandra's Journal Month 1, Day 1

TJ submitted his audio for assessment today.  The pace of his speech is so rapid that it is hard to grasp the content.  He truly needs to slow down.  His voice can also be better used to bring to life the practical, relevant business material he shares with his clients.

There was a useful comparison in the text he chose, but it was completely lost in the vocal ‘noise’ he creates.

The dominance of a too-rapid pace leads to many stumbles.  As a result of his speaking style, his voice is flat, dull and monotonous.   He can do so much more for himself and his business by managing his voice more effectively.

TJ's Journal Month 1, Day 3

I am an ambitious person and public presentation is a big (and growing) part of my work.  I only had a vague idea of what image my communication style created and had not really developed an idea of what I wanted it to be.  After listening to myself objectively, I was horrified!

Now, after some very useful practical exercises, I have a clear goal and have started down the journey.  Some of it was confronting, but it made me excited  at what changes lie ahead.  I never realised the latent power in my voice and how central it is to communication and influence.

Sandra's Journal Month 1, Day 3

We completed our first session today; I was concerned how TJ would react to the audio and my major comments.  Given his ambition to be more in the public eye (and ear) he took the feedback well.

We worked on slowing the pace…  he could hear the difference.    He could feel how his voice was being released during the oral resonance exercises.  This is a solid start.

His voice is far fuller and stronger than he gives it credit for.  It has been contained and stifled because of the shallow breathing and rapid, fire-off delivery style.

Significant, measurable change is possible.  And the difference he can make to his impact is immense.

Sandra's Journal Month 1 Day 8

Emailed TJ today.  His second audio of his chosen text shows a remarkable difference in his use of pause.  Great work!

TJ's Journal Month 1 Day 11

I am feeling excited at the new confidence that seems to be sticking its head out (to my surprise).  It feels like a new me is emerging - one that is a larger than life version of the old one.

Even after one session I am feeling much more aware of my personal presentation style in many contexts.  I am finding myself making a much more conscious effort to communicate in a manner that creates the impact and outcomes I desire.

One interesting side effect of my new awareness of my verbal communication is that when I now create written communications, I try to imagine myself speaking them.  This is changing my selection of words to real, active language.

Sandra's Journal Month 1 Day 30

Two further audios confirm that TJ is able to sustain the changes he has made.  He is on his way to being more fully heard.

TJ's Journal Month 2 Day 2

Today I had the first real sense of my voice and its true range. I have always thought of myself being quietly spoken and have struggled to be heard in public speaking and in many professional and personal contexts. I now realise that it isn't my voice that is the problem - just my technique. 

After a few simple exercises today I realise how much power, depth and strength there is in my voice. Instead of my voice coming out of my nasal passages now I know how to expand into a much wider range of sound that uses my full vocal strength. Who would have thought that my voice is actually a little deeper than the way that I was using it?"

Sandra's Journal Month 2 Day 30

Till this week, progress has been smooth for TJ.  I know he has been under pressure during the previous two weeks; demanding projects; planning for his August events and keep ontop of current commitments.  My suspicions were confirmed in our session today.  Doing voice work under pressure distracts the mind... and the vocal message is reduced.  The impact is lost.  He now has strategies to remain 'on voice' ;'in the moment' and fully 'connected'.  It will be interesting to see what happens next...

TJ's Journal Month 3 Day 12

The progression of the program has uncovered some unexpected issues that actually run a lot deeper than voice and communication.  It has made me really consider the professional public image that I want to portray.  Not a quick-response type of question, but one that stimulates a journey in thinking.

I still hate listening to myself - not a teenage 'ewww' type of reaction - more of a shock that the strength of my message, the depth of my conviction, my sense of humour and the original perspective I have on my industry are completely lost because no one can understand what I am saying!  Frustration...

TJ's Journal Month 3 Day 20

The scientist in me also questions the 'why' of everything.  The delving into my terrible communication skills has me questioning what effect our fears, confidence and restrictive upbringings have on suppressing the real power of personality that lies underneath.

Sandra's Journal  Month 3 Day 28 

It's nearly time for TJ to launch his new-found voice and vocal expression to his public.  Being asked to address a business audience at this stage is an excellent challenge.  I'm sharing his anticipation and look forward to hearing his take on the presentation.  His final run-through went well; I'm sure he'll see good results from all the hard work he's done.
 

TJ's Journal Month 3 Day 30

I feel fantastic.  It went so well; and the feedback was great.  It is such a relief to have got ontop of the way that I used to sound.  I felt so strong and sure when I was speaking; and my voice felt that way too.  The audience really enjoyed it.  And I can see how much more powerful my presentation style is becoming now that I no longer rush! 


Read more Voice & Word Makeovers at this dedicated blog where you can sign up for regular updates.  Case studies are real examples of changes drawn from over 30 years of practical experience.

You will find topic-specific case studies at the base of the following pages of the website:
Voice Power, Quality and Presence
Clear Speech
International Voices
Voices of Leaders & Entrepreneurs
Voices of Managers
Voices of Presenters & Public Speakers
Voices of Key Company Representatives