IT HAS been said that it takes just a few seconds for a person to form an opinion of you.
The first impression is usually based on factors such as appearance, body language, attitude and, especially, elocution.
If you are not in control of the way you speak, it could result in doors of opportunity being closed to you.
The right tone of voice or the way you speak is crucial, if you want people to take you seriously in life, be it in personal relationships, during an interview, in the business world or even as a politician.
And, sadly, public speaking is something many of us fear. We ask ourselves questions such as: "Will my speech be monotonous and uninspiring? Will I speak too quietly? Will it be obvious that I lack confidence? Will I talk too fast?"
This is where people like Julie Meyer can help. Julie is a senior voice training facilitator and branch manageress of The Voice Clinic in Pretoria. Voice coaches teach people how to speak eloquently and with clarity.
From the age of 11, Julie started attending music and drama classes. Her dream was to become an actress.
In 1996, she got together with a friend of hers to produce a drama, based on a book about a woman who went to live with San people to find out more about their lifestyle.
The play was very popular and well received by many.
Julie went on to obtain various other speech and drama qualifications and eventually entered the field of voice production training.
In 2000, she started work as a facilitator at The Voice Clinic.
"Training people is my passion," says Julie. "I see so many people walking in here who lack confidence and self-esteem.
"After a few sessions, however, they slowly but surely become more self-assured, assertive, and able to communicate more effectively in all situations. It's awe-inspiring to see the growth that takes place within a person. As a voice coach, I teach people how to use various techniques, such as proper breathing, resonance, projection, articulation and modulation, to make the most of their voice.
"I teach people from all walks of life, be it a pastor from a church, a director in a boardroom, or those who just want to improve their general day-to-day conversational skills.
"My working day usually begins at 8am and ends around 5pm. Training sessions are hourly, with a break for lunch. We do individual training at our offices, as well as group training at companies, and sometimes two-day seminars.
"I have travelled all over the country to train people, including a small village just outside Bloemfontein, where the only transport was donkey carts.
"It's essential that people learn to speak well, because one gets only one chance to make that first impression." - sacareerfocus
Selling yourself to others
IT HAS been said that it takes just a few seconds for a person to form an opinion of you.
The first impression is usually based on factors such as appearance, body language, attitude and, especially, elocution.
If you are not in control of the way you speak, it could result in doors of opportunity being closed to you.
The right tone of voice or the way you speak is crucial, if you want people to take you seriously in life, be it in personal relationships, during an interview, in the business world or even as a politician.
And, sadly, public speaking is something many of us fear. We ask ourselves questions such as: "Will my speech be monotonous and uninspiring? Will I speak too quietly? Will it be obvious that I lack confidence? Will I talk too fast?"
This is where people like Julie Meyer can help. Julie is a senior voice training facilitator and branch manageress of The Voice Clinic in Pretoria. Voice coaches teach people how to speak eloquently and with clarity.
From the age of 11, Julie started attending music and drama classes. Her dream was to become an actress.
In 1996, she got together with a friend of hers to produce a drama, based on a book about a woman who went to live with San people to find out more about their lifestyle.
The play was very popular and well received by many.
Julie went on to obtain various other speech and drama qualifications and eventually entered the field of voice production training.
In 2000, she started work as a facilitator at The Voice Clinic.
"Training people is my passion," says Julie. "I see so many people walking in here who lack confidence and self-esteem.
"After a few sessions, however, they slowly but surely become more self-assured, assertive, and able to communicate more effectively in all situations. It's awe-inspiring to see the growth that takes place within a person. As a voice coach, I teach people how to use various techniques, such as proper breathing, resonance, projection, articulation and modulation, to make the most of their voice.
"I teach people from all walks of life, be it a pastor from a church, a director in a boardroom, or those who just want to improve their general day-to-day conversational skills.
"My working day usually begins at 8am and ends around 5pm. Training sessions are hourly, with a break for lunch. We do individual training at our offices, as well as group training at companies, and sometimes two-day seminars.
"I have travelled all over the country to train people, including a small village just outside Bloemfontein, where the only transport was donkey carts.
"It's essential that people learn to speak well, because one gets only one chance to make that first impression." - sacareerfocus
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