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Emmy Broomfield

Individuals have a great capacity for vocal expression but most people haven’t had the opportunity to explore and develop it. By the end of this course learners will have gained knowledge of how the voice works, had a chance to experiment with different ways of speaking, and increased their confidence in their vocal expression.

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Individuals have a great capacity for vocal expression but most people haven’t had the opportunity to explore and develop it. By the end of this course learners will have gained knowledge of how the voice works, had a chance to experiment with different ways of speaking, and increased their confidence in their vocal expression.

This course is aimed at beginners but can serve as a useful ‘tune up’ for those that have some experience in this area or those that want to build upon prior learning. The only prerequisite is to be curious about voice in action and public speaking. Finding your Professional Voice takes the learner on a journey to discover how the voice works, how it can be optimised their use of it, and how vocal impact can be developed in professional settings.

The content of the course is useful to all learners who have vocal capacity. Whilst a very few of the exercises would require full physical capacity, those learners physical impairment, or those who do not wish to undertake the movement exercises will still be able to gain useful skills provided by the MOOC content.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Be Aware: Understanding yourself and understanding how the voice works.
This first module is focused on awareness and knowledge of the voice. We'll begin by developing awareness - awareness underpins everything when it comes to learning and building new behaviours and skills. We have a discussion on what a ‘professional voice’ is and how we might begin to find it. You'll be introduced to the basic premise of how the voice is made in the body, and what can get in the way of it working at an optimal level. You'll be guided through several exercises designed to improve your self-awareness and will begin to recognise some of your current behaviours around speaking.
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Be Physical: the role of the body in speaking
One of the key components of speaking with confidence and impact is to understand and utilise the body in relation to voice and presence. Looking at areas such as release of tension, alignment, breath and projection, you'll discover new options that will help you increase your confidence and impact.
Be Connected: understanding your audience and how to connect to them
This week will focus on considering your audience, thinking about your message and intention, and learning techniques to help your audience connect to your message. It will also look at how body language can help you increase connection. 
Be Impactful: Using emphasis for impact
Building on the work introduced in the first three modules, this week will look at some specific prosody tools and techniques that can be used to create more impact. It will also bring together all strands of the course - being aware, being physical, being connected and being engaging. 

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines the human voice and its impact in professional settings
Teaches learners how to utilize their body for more impactful speaking
Is useful to all learners with vocal capacity
Explores prosody tools and techniques for creating impact
Provides guidance through exercises for improved self-awareness and speaking behaviors, which are helpful for building confidence
Focuses on understanding the audience and connecting with them effectively

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Finding Your Professional Voice: Confidence & Impact with these activities:
Review how the vocal tract works
Understanding how the vocal tract works will help you understand how to use your voice more effectively.
Show steps
  • Read an article or watch a video about the vocal tract.
  • Draw a diagram of the vocal tract and label the different parts.
Watch videos on how to use body language effectively
Watching videos on body language will help you understand how to use it to your advantage.
Browse courses on Body Language
Show steps
  • Find videos on YouTube or other video sharing sites.
  • Watch the videos and take notes on the different body language cues.
  • Practice using the body language cues in your own interactions.
Join a study group or online forum
Joining a study group or online forum will allow you to connect with other students and learn from their experiences.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or online forum that is relevant to the course.
  • Introduce yourself to the group and start participating in discussions.
Three other activities
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Show all six activities
Record yourself giving a presentation
Recording yourself giving a presentation will help you identify areas where you can improve your delivery.
Browse courses on Public Speaking
Show steps
  • Choose a topic for your presentation.
  • Write out your presentation.
  • Rehearse your presentation several times.
  • Record yourself giving your presentation.
  • Watch the recording and identify areas where you can improve.
Write a blog post about your experience taking the course
Writing a blog post about your experience taking the course will help you reflect on what you've learned and share your insights with others.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic for your blog post.
  • Write out your blog post.
  • Publish your blog post on your own website or on a platform like Medium.
Contribute to an open source project related to public speaking
Contributing to an open source project will give you hands-on experience with using your voice to make a difference.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Find an open source project that is related to public speaking.
  • Join the project and start contributing.

Career center

Learners who complete Finding Your Professional Voice: Confidence & Impact will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Voice Coach
Voice Coaches help individuals improve their vocal skills and techniques. They work with singers, actors, public speakers, and others to develop their vocal range, improve their vocal quality, and build confidence in their vocal expression. This course may be useful for Voice Coaches who want to enhance their understanding of the voice and develop techniques for helping their clients improve their vocal skills, as it provides a foundation in the basic premise of how the voice is made in the body and what can get in the way of optimal vocal function.
Singer
Singers use their vocal skills to create and perform music. They use their voices to express emotions, tell stories, and connect with audiences. This course may be useful for Singers who want to develop their vocal range and improve their vocal expression, as it provides techniques for understanding how the voice works, optimizing voice use, and developing vocal impact in professional settings.
Actor
Actors portray characters in theater, film, television, and other media. They use their vocal skills to create believable and engaging performances. This course may be useful for Actors who want to develop their vocal range and improve their vocal expression, as it provides techniques for understanding how the voice works, optimizing voice use, and developing vocal impact in professional settings.
Voice Actor
Voice Actors provide voices for characters in animated films, television shows, video games, and other media. They use their vocal skills to create believable and engaging performances. This course may be useful for Voice Actors who want to develop their vocal range and improve their vocal expression, as it provides techniques for understanding how the voice works, optimizing voice use, and developing vocal impact in professional settings.
Event Host
Event Hosts introduce speakers, lead discussions, and entertain guests at events. They use their vocal skills to engage audiences and create a positive atmosphere. This course may be useful for Event Hosts who want to improve their vocal expression and build confidence in their public speaking abilities, as it provides techniques for optimizing voice use and developing vocal impact in professional settings.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists diagnose and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders. They work with individuals of all ages to improve their communication skills. This course may be useful for Speech-Language Pathologists who want to enhance their understanding of the voice and develop techniques for helping their clients improve their vocal expression, as it provides a foundation in the basic premise of how the voice is made in the body and what can get in the way of optimal vocal function.
Teacher
Teachers educate and instruct students at all levels, from preschool to university. They use their vocal skills to engage students, deliver lessons, and manage classrooms. This course may be useful for Teachers who want to improve their vocal expression and build confidence in their public speaking abilities, as it provides techniques for optimizing voice use and developing vocal impact in professional settings.
Politician
Politicians run for office and hold elected positions in government. They use their vocal skills to give speeches, debate issues, and build support. This course may be useful for Politicians who want to improve their vocal expression and build confidence in their public speaking abilities, as it provides techniques for optimizing voice use and developing vocal impact in professional settings.
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representatives provide support and assistance to customers. They use their vocal skills to communicate effectively, resolve issues, and build relationships. This course may be useful for Customer Service Representatives who want to improve their vocal expression and build confidence in their communication abilities, as it provides techniques for optimizing voice use and developing vocal impact in professional settings.
Media Relations Manager
Media Relations Managers are responsible for managing relationships with the media and promoting their organization's image. They develop and execute media strategies, respond to media inquiries, and provide information to journalists. This course may be useful for Media Relations Managers who want to enhance their communication skills and build confidence in their vocal expression, as it provides techniques for connecting with an audience and using emphasis for impact.
Lawyer
Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. They use their vocal skills to argue cases, negotiate settlements, and build relationships. This course may be useful for Lawyers who want to improve their vocal expression and build confidence in their public speaking abilities, as it provides techniques for optimizing voice use and developing vocal impact in professional settings.
Public relations manager
Public Relations Managers develop and implement public relations campaigns to promote their organization's image and reputation. They work with the media, stakeholders, and the public to build relationships and manage communication. This course may be useful for Public Relations Managers who want to improve their communication skills and build confidence in their vocal expression, as it provides techniques for connecting with an audience and using emphasis for impact.
Salesperson
Salespeople sell products or services to customers. They use their vocal skills to persuade customers, build relationships, and close deals. This course may be useful for Salespeople who want to improve their vocal expression and build confidence in their communication abilities, as it provides techniques for optimizing voice use and developing vocal impact in professional settings.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs start and manage their own businesses. They use their vocal skills to pitch ideas, sell products or services, and build relationships. This course may be useful for Entrepreneurs who want to improve their vocal expression and build confidence in their communication abilities, as it provides techniques for optimizing voice use and developing vocal impact in professional settings.
Broadcast Journalist
Broadcast Journalists report on news and current events through various media outlets, including television, radio, and online platforms. They gather information, conduct interviews, and write and deliver news stories. This course may be useful for Broadcast Journalists who want to improve their vocal expression and confidence when delivering news reports, as it provides techniques for optimizing voice use and developing vocal impact in professional settings.

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Finding Your Professional Voice: Confidence & Impact.
The classic work on the Stanislavski method of acting, which emphasizes the importance of finding your own "voice" and connecting with your audience.
A practical guide to developing your vocal skills, with exercises and techniques to help you speak with confidence and impact.
A practical guide to improving your communication skills in all types of situations, including public speaking.
A guide to creating and delivering TED-style talks, which can be helpful for developing your presentation skills and building your confidence.
A study of the role of gestures in communication, which can be helpful for understanding how to use your body language to convey authority and influence.
A guide to improving your articulation and pronunciation, which can be helpful for making your speech more clear and understandable.
A comprehensive guide to the theory and practice of public speaking, which can be helpful for developing your understanding of the subject and improving your skills.
A guide to developing your vocal power and presence, which can be helpful for building your confidence and making a greater impact with your voice.
A guide to the essential elements of public speaking, which can be helpful for developing a strong foundation in the subject.

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