I was listening to a discussion the other day and someone chimed in with kind of a geeky, weak and puny voice. I looked up to find he was of relatively senior rank with all the badges and flare in a position of influence. This guy is at a disadvantage…he sounds like a bitch. His auditory presence defies his position, his experience and his resume (much of which he wears on his chest).
If you’re following the rules (and want to be effective), I’m sure you try to meet a person face to face before you call and you call before you email. We use our entire bodies when we communicate, especially our voice. Pay attention to how you sound.
This isn’t just me being judgmental, although I am. This is science.
You prepare your leaders to communicate. Talk to them about how they sound. If you’re coaching a Flag Officer, he or she likely already has a commanding voice because their voice is helped them get there in the first place.
Public affairs officers have enough trouble with preconceived notions about their jobs and their position within the organization. Don’t encourage this notion by sounding like a whiny duck. Command your audience with your voice.
Listen to yourself or the person you’re coaching. Record yourself or use this method. Ask a trusted friend. Do you sound lame? Fix it, read this book or do some research, it won’t take long for you to start leading with your voice.
(Photo by Spc. Fredrick Willis)
