• I want to become a better speaker.
• I want to sound more articulate.
• I want other people to listen to me.
• I want to exude confidence.

This is a sampling of the many goals people work toward in voice and presentation skills training. Their success is determined in large part by the work they do upfront to define the results they want and the reasons they want to change.

In other words, what do they want and why?

Larry* knows that he wants to become a better speaker. His interactions with business associates do not go as smoothly as he would like. He sees others skillfully running meetings, and would like to be able to do the same. In fact, he knows he better learn soon, because beginning in November, he will be expected to lead team meetings.

In our initial session, we focus on defining what he wants and why. The assessment reveals that he speaks with a quiet voice and frequently stops and restarts his sentences. He begins to realize that becoming “a better speaker” means that he will have to learn to project his voice and speak more fluently. Understanding exactly what he wants to change is motivating, and builds ownership of the process.

Defining why he wants to change is fairly simple for Larry; he wants to perform better in his role at work. For others, however, the reasons behind wanting to change their communication sound or style is more complex. Sara* comes to The Sound Center for an assessment. In her latest performance review, her manager told her that her voice is too high and is unprofessional. Sara disagrees. She prides herself on being a highly professional career woman and thinks her voice is fine. However, she is willing to come to sessions if that is what her boss wants. During the assessment, she is observed to speak with very little mouth opening. She talks fast and with a pressed voice quality. Tension in her jaw and throat creates the perception of a high pitch, though Sara was correct--her actual pitch is normal. After demonstration, video playback, and discussion, Sara realizes that her voice can be improved, and she wants to learn.

If Sara had not come to believe that her voice could be improved or needed to be improved, the training would have been meaningless. If she had worked to change her sound all for her boss, she probably would not have been able to make a significant difference, and any changes would have been temporary.

You may have a communication issue, small or large, that you would like to address. Identifying what you would like to change and why is the first step to change. If you have any questions about this process, give us a call at 630-435-5622.

*Larry and Sara are not actual clients. Any resemblance to actual individuals is coincidental.

So how do you find out what are the “right” reasons? Well, look no further than your values for the answer! Your values are what make you YOU. They are not your ethics or morals. When you are expressing your values, you feel fulfilled and on track. If you want to make a goal inherently fulfilling, first make sure it honors your values.

Unsure of what you DO value? Not clear about what really makes you the person you are? Then join Michelle and me for our 10/1 workshop entitled “Slay your Public Speaking Gremlins”. I’ll be leading the group in an exercise I use with my Coaching Clients that helps unearth your values. Once identified, we’ll use them to move you forward by setting speaking goals that honor those values. See you there!

For more information about Enerpace, Inc. and Elene Cafasso, visit http://www.enerpace.com.

Is that big presentation right around the corner? Would you like to put a priority on polishing your presentation skills? This workshop allows you to pick your goal and content. If you're not sure what to address first, give us a call. We can help!

• When: Monday, September 19th, 6-8:30 pm
• Where: The Sound Center, 4949 Forest Avenue, Third Floor, Downers Grove, IL 60515
• Fee: $69
• Registration is required--see below for registration information.

OCT1: Slay Your Public Speaking Gremlins!

Do you have a fear of public speaking? Michelle Eppley will be joined by professionally trained Executive and Personal Coach, Elene Cafasso of Enerpace Inc. for an intense Saturday morning of slaying the gremlins that keep you from being a dynamic, compelling presenter.

• When: Saturday, October 1st, 9-11:30 am
• Where: The Sound Center, 4949 Forest Avenue, Third Floor, Downers Grove, IL 60515
• Special Pricing: Before 9/24/05--$59. $69 after that date
• Registration is required--see below for registration information.

Registration Information:

Online registration is now available!
Visit www.thesoundcenter.com/events to use the easy, one-click registration process.

Registration can also be made by:

• Email: info@thesoundcenter.com
• Telephone: 630-435-5622