Your voice is power
What is this strange force that makes thousands of fans swoon and scream in stadiums and venues all around the world?
What is this seductive tool that gets us hooked and breaks down our natural defenses?
What is the source of those bewitching tones that have won us over, on the phone or the radio?
Voice!
Your voice is a casket containing magical powers.
I started my acting career in Paris, performing in successful Patrick Braoudé ‘s comedy du ronron sur les blinis every night for more than a year. We had to ensure two performances in a row on Saturday night, it was exhausting because I was on stage from the beginning to the end of the show, my voice was hoarse and I was always afraid of being aphone for the second performance. I had the chance to meet American jazz singer Amanda Ambrose who taught me to “heat” my voice and develop my vocal power. I discovered the potential of the voice, and how to prepare it to acquire a melodious and powerful timbre. This was a blessing!
HOW TO TALK ON THE PHONE
When you’re on the phone, the person on the other end hears and “sees” everything.
Some telesalesmen make a fortune simply because they’ve got a nice voice!
Silly but true! There’s something very fulfilling about listening to a wholesome, pleasant voice.
And if the salesperson is also congenial, listening to your needs and making you feel understood and well-advised, he/she has a very good chance of closing the sale.
Worst case scenario: If you don’t need what he’s selling, you won’t hang up on him if he calls you back at a later date! And that’s simply because you felt welcomed the first time around.
I personally always make a note of the salesperson’s name if he (or she) has made a good impression over the phone. And if I need his product or service later on, I’ll call and ask for him specifically.
When I’m coaching people on how to speak on the phone, I focus on five essential points:
- Voice placement
- Physical attitude
- Imagining that the person you’re talking to is in front of you
- Smiling
- A personalized introductory text
Work on your physical attitude. Sit as if you’re at an appointment. The person on the other end of the line will be able to hear it if you’re sitting back with your feet up on the table!
For a while, I had an excellent saleswoman. She worked from home but she never once made a phone call in her PJs! She had a rule: She would only start making those calls once she was dressed, with her hair and make up done!
You should also smile throughout the conversation: It can be heard on the other end of the line!
PHONE BEHAVIOR
Take the call with a warm, dynamic “Hello!” to make the caller feel you really care about him or her.
If you represent a corporation, make sure you say the name clearly so the caller can understand and retain the name. And be friendly, welcoming.
You’ve often heard it said that first impressions matter. When you answer the phone, you are the first contact the caller is having with you or your corporation. So the tone of your voice and the amount of congeniality you convey portray the business you’re representing. And nobody wants to do business with grumpy or rude people…!
VOICE POWER
Managers should always give their phone receptionists and salesperson training service training. A poor first impression can lose you customers; an excellent, polite, friendly and swift welcome, on the other hand, can definitely get you new ones.
This applies in any phone situation, including when you leave a message on somebody’s voicemail.
If you find it hard to place your voice correctly by yourself, I would advise you to hook up with a drama teacher as vocal training will be one of his or her areas of expertise. You could also subscribe to my E-Learning and follow the exercices outlined in there.
If you get an opportunity to take singing lessons or to be part of a choir, go ahead! Besides getting pleasure and fulfillment from singing, you’ll wind up with a nice, powerful voice.
Your voice is a casket containing magical powers. Learn to use it!
CARMELA VALENTE
Excerpt from the book “Bye bye stage fright” How to succeed as a public speaker – Acting skills for managers .
Copyright © 2015 Carmela Valente, All Rights Reserved.Reproduction of this work or of any part thereof, is strictly forbidden without the author’s prior consent. All rights reserved worldwide.Legal registration: January 2015 ISBN: 978-2-9552673-0-1