#27 The Compelling Speaking Voice (Part 1): How to Captivate and Lead from Any Stage

In this first instalment of a special two-part series, Curious Vocalists shifts the spotlight from the singing voice to the speaking voice. While musicians spend countless hours perfecting their melodies, the words spoken between songs—introductions, workshop instructions, and audience gratitude—are just as vital for establishing authority and authentic connection. Grace guides you through the essential physical pillars of a confident stage presence: posture, breath, and resonance. This episode is designed to be interactive, featuring three specific exercises you can perform in real-time to reset your posture, anchor your breath for steady delivery, and find your natural resonant "home" voice. Learn how to stop speaking from the throat and start commanding the room with a tone that is both warm and authoritative. In this episode, you will: Learn a 45-second posture reset to instantly feel more powerful on stage. Discover how to avoid speaking on residual air by using a supported breath anchor. Practice finding your resonant chest tone to move away from nervous, thin, or throat-based speaking. Explore the difference between performing a persona and delivering your natural, unencumbered voice with intention. Featured Exercises: Exercise 1: Posture Reset (03:31) Exercise 2: Breath Anchor (07:46) Exercise 3: Finding Your Resonant Home Voice (19.43)   Takeaways Good posture and diaphragmatic breathing are essential for confident speaking. Recording yourself helps identify and correct breathing habits. Engaging the body through exercises like yoga and handstands reduces tension. Your speaking voice starts in your body, not your throat. Hum and vocal warm-ups stimulate nitric oxide and improve resonance.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Confident Speaking 01:25 Engaging the Diaphragm and Body Awareness 06:41 Exercises for Better Breath Support 11:11 Why Handstands Help Your Voice 14:38 Tone, Resonance and Authenticity   Resources Episode 25 For The Anxious Performer: Nervous System Regulation with Emily Kennedy-Barnes - Curious Vocalists Episode 25 For The Anxious Performer More info on the health benefits of humming, nitric oxide and its roles in your health - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVoGbaq8xos   About the Host Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.   Contact Method [email protected] www.gracehancockmusic.com https://www.instagram.com/gracehancockmusic http://www.facebook.com/gracehancockmusician