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The true image you project to others is not just seen in a mirror or a photograph. How you handle yourself in conversation is the true measure of the image you project both professionally and personally. I am sure you have seen yourself in a video at one time or another and there is a good chance that you did not like what you heard or what you saw. The first time I saw myself on television was when I was being interviewed by a news station in Canada. I was horrified when I finally got back to my studio and watched the video. Not only did I discover that I should never wear purple, but I saw that I was closing my eyes when I spoke. I was able to fix the former problem immediately. Since my coloring is that of the warm shades of fall, I decided not to take my chances on a color that did not become me – especially on television. The closing of the eyes, however, took a bit more work. For the next week, I concentrated on keeping my eyes open while speaking or teaching my voice training clients. And, it worked. Two weeks later I was interviewed by another station and the eye issue was resolved. Had I not seen myself in that situation, I never would have known that I had a problem with my delivery. Another reason I use video is to check my hairstyle. What you see in the mirror is a reflection. If you really want to know what you look like, I suggest that you video record yourself during a conversation with friends or family because you will learn a lot. Not only will you see your visual image but you will hear your vocal image as well. Most people do not like to hear themselves on a recording. While you may not like what you hear, it is important to understand that how you sound on the recording is exactly how everyone else recognizes you. It is obvious that you can improve your visual image as well as your facial expressions and body language. But did you know that you can also improve your speaking voice? You have a better voice inside of you – one that sounds more mature and one whose volume can be increased without shouting. I call it your ‘real’ voice or your true voice. When I discovered my ‘real’ voice in graduate school, it landed me the jobs I wanted in New York City because I sounded confident and mature. Make the recording. Study the playback. And ask yourself if you really like what you see and hear. The Voice Lady Nancy Daniels offers private, corporate and group workshops in voice and presentation skills as well as Voicing It!, the only video training program on voice improvement. If you would like to see a dramatic 'before & after' clip, watch Craig on Nancy's Voice Training site.
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voice training, visual image, vocal image, mirror reflection, increase volume, real voice, true voice, sound mature, sound better, sound confident,
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