Speaking Of...: Listening to Your Voice

Do you listen and watch your recorded speeches? It can be a real challenge to do this, in part because all your assets and flaws are revealed in a recording.

A colleague and I recently started an online radio show. Of course, with any new technology there will be technical glitches that need to be smoothed out. Our first show aired in late December, and did have some glitches. Yet, I was eager to hear the recorded show, and I did that soon after the air time. Through the wonders of technology, we speakers can broadcast on a free radio network, and gain additional Stage Time. Then our shows are recorded and available on a website, which is convenient for listeners and a marketing tool for us. What a wonderful learning lab, too.

When I coach speakers I advise all to record their talks. It is the ultimate teacher. My verdict on show #1 was that content needs to be enhanced, and my voice sounded remarkably clear and strong. Here is the link to our show.

Haven't thought about this in a long time. Recording the outgoing message on voice mail gives a perfect opportunity to listen to yourself. I learned to listen to these to develop vocal qualities long ago from Mary-Ellen Drummond.