Fri 07 Jul 2023
Photo as seen on Cath Baxter's LinkedIn feed
Top tips to master the art of using your voice to assert authority, overcome gender stereotypes, build credibility and trust, and empower future generations from professional voice coach Cath Baxter
By Murielle Gonzalez
The need for diverse voices and perspectives in leadership roles has become increasingly apparent in organisations from all sectors. Progress has been made towards gender equality, but women still face unique challenges when it comes to occupying positions of power. One essential skill that can help women break barriers and glass ceilings is the ability to project their voices with confidence.
Drawing from the invaluable insights of Cath Baxter, a professional voice coach and a speaker of our conference series Women into Leadership and the Professional Women Series, women can learn to master this art, assert their authority, and be seen and trusted in leadership positions, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and balanced society.
Overcoming gender stereotypes
Society has long perpetuated the notion that leadership qualities are inherently masculine. Speaking at Women into Leadership, Cath Baxter has repeatedly emphasised the importance of challenging these stereotypes by projecting female voices with confidence.
"Women can practice exercises such as deep diaphragmatic breathing to cultivate breath support, allowing them to speak with a full and resonant voice," she said, noting that vocal warm-up exercises, such as humming or lip trills, help relax the vocal muscles and promote vocal clarity.
To Baxter, by incorporating these exercises into their routine, women can develop a powerful and authoritative voice, effectively dispelling any doubts about their capabilities.
Commanding attention
Leadership is not solely about knowledge and expertise; it also requires the ability to engage and inspire others, and here is where lies the importance of captivating an audience and commanding attention with your voice.
Baxter said women can practice exercises that focus on articulation, such as tongue twisters or enunciation drills, to enhance clarity and precision in their speech.
She also suggested varying the pitch and tone of voice during exercises like reading aloud or storytelling, as that helps women develop vocal expressiveness and emotional resonance. At Women into Leadership conferences, Baxter demonstrates the exercises that enable women to communicate their ideas with impact, inspire others, and rally support.
Building credibility and trust
Credibility and trust are crucial aspects of effective leadership. "A confident voice plays a pivotal role in establishing credibility," Baxter said, noting women can practice exercises that focus on developing vocal presence, such as standing in front of a mirror and speaking with conviction.
Baxter believes that by becoming aware of their vocal strengths, body language and areas for improvement, women can refine the delivery of their messages, find authenticity in their voice, and connect with their audience genuinely. Ultimately, these authentic connections foster trust, as others perceive the leader as genuine and trustworthy.
Overcoming self-doubt and impostor syndrome
Women often struggle with self-doubt and impostor syndrome, feeling undeserving or inadequate in leadership roles. However, by learning to project their voice with confidence women can combat these internal barriers.
For example, speaking at a recent Women into Leadership, Baxter explained how women can practice exercises that focus on breath control, such as inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly while maintaining a steady voice. The exercise helps them develop a sense of grounding and stability, enhancing their confidence. Other visualisation exercises can help overcome self-doubt.
Inspiring future generations
Mastering the skill of projecting your voice with confidence is crucial not only to create a positive impact on your own career but also to inspire future generations of female leaders.
At Women into Leadership, you will hear Cath Baxter and other speakers explain how authenticity and self-expression enable women to embrace their unique voices and leadership styles.
Upcoming events
- The next conference is an online event on 20 July | Register now
- The Women into Leadership London takes place on 19 September | Register now
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Murielle Gonzalez, content strategy manager at Dods Diversity & Inclusion, is an experienced journalist and editor. She can be reached on murielle.gonzalez@totalpolitics.com.
View all news