The Power of Your Voice: Interview with Mariette Richardson
In the fast-paced world of recruitment and talent acquisition, effective communication is an indispensable skill that sets high-profile professionals apart from the competition. The ability to deliver persuasive presentations, excel in interviews, and engage audiences during public addresses can make a substantial impact on career progression and organizational success.
Mariette Richardson, an esteemed authority in the realm of public speaking, understands the power of effective communication. With a wealth of experience in the media industry and a passion for helping individuals unlock their voice power, Mariette has transformed the lives of countless professionals. Today, Magazyn Rekruter has the pleasure to sit down with Mariette and discuss her expertise to uncover practical strategies for professionals seeking to elevate their communication skills.
The Journey to Public Speaking
Mariette Richardson’s journey into the realm of public speaking and performance coaching is deeply rooted in her family’s rich heritage of voice production and drama techniques. From a young age, Mariette found herself drawn to the power of storytelling, encouraged by her mother’s captivating narratives that sparked a profound love for languages within her. Raised in a family where public performance was cherished, Mariette’s father, a Toastmaster, instilled in her the art of making speeches, fostering her confidence and self-expression. Alongside her siblings, Mariette eagerly attended speech and drama classes, immersing herself in the world of communication. However, it was a fortuitous encounter with their neighbour, a radio announcer, that truly ignited Mariette’s passion for the medium.
From that moment forward, the radio studio became her sanctuary—a place where she fell in love with the magic of broadcasting, the acoustics, and the ability to create captivating stories using only her voice. Inspired by her family’s influence and her own deep-rooted connection to the spoken word, Mariette embarked on a journey to help others unlock the potential of their voices and make a lasting impact through effective communication.
When I heard her story and the way her upbringing shaped her career, I was curious if public speaking is an innate talent or a skill that can be acquired with practice? Mariette firmly believes that while some individuals may possess a natural inclination towards effective communication, speaking is a skill that can be learned and mastered. She draws parallels between learning to speak and learning to play the piano, highlighting the importance of exercises and techniques in honing one’s speaking abilities. Just as actors engage in vocal exercises to strengthen their voices and project effectively on stage, voice coaching involves a similar approach.
Using Your Voice Effectively
Mariette Richardson emphasizes the significance of breath control, accessing resonance cavities, and improving vocal quality through proper vocal placement. These techniques not only enhance the speaker’s voice but also instil a sense of confidence, enabling them to address an audience or engage in presentations with ease. The journey of mastering public speaking involves discovering the power of proper vocal projection and harnessing it as a valuable tool in effective communication.
Curious about her professional journey, I asked Mariette about her company’s trajectory. Following her moving to the UK in 2017, Mariette founded MyVoiceUK, a company dedicated to empowering individuals through the mastery of public speaking. “Somebody asked me to help them with a presentation. I rehearsed with her and prepared – she became my first client” – Mariette told me.
Since then, she has primarily focused on serving corporate clients, helping them refine their speaking skills and unlock their full potential. Mariette’s ultimate goal is to witness how her clients’ newfound speaking prowess propels their careers to new heights. Recognizing the immense impact of effective communication, she believes that one’s ability to speak well instantly establishes a commanding presence. From cultivating a well-modulated voice to mastering the art of delivery and pacing, Mariette’s expertise aims to equip individuals with the tools necessary to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.
The role of Confidence in Public Speaking
Mariette acknowledges that fear of public speaking is common, affecting about 75% of individuals. When working with professionals to enhance their public speaking and self-presentation skills, Mariette emphasizes the importance of confidence. With that in mind, I wanted to learn some of the tricks and practices she teaches to increase the confidence of the speakers she coaches. One of the things she shared is transforming anxiety into excitement. “By reframing nervousness as positive anticipation, speakers can channel their energy into conveying genuine enthusiasm for their topic.” Mariette encourages her clients to enjoy speaking and aims to help them reach a stage where they feel confident and captivate their audience. This includes techniques such as maintaining eye contact and avoiding excessive reliance on scripts, as these small adjustments can significantly impact how the message is received.
The next thing that was key to mention was nonverbal communication, which importance cannot be overstated. “Research suggests that up to 93% of what we say is conveyed through our nonverbal cues,” she notes. Mariette Richardson references the work of Professor Amy Cuddy, highlighting the significance of nonverbal signals in establishing trust and respect during initial interactions. Eye contact plays a crucial role in creating a sense of openness and presence, while maintaining a relaxed and balanced posture allows for optimal vocal resonance.
Mariette suggests envisioning the head as a ball balanced on a string, aligned with the spine. This relaxed posture not only enhances the voice but also conveys poise and elegance. “As one enters the room, a warm smile and smooth, composed movements contribute to a positive impression. Crossing legs is acceptable, but crossing arms should be avoided as it signals a closed-off stance.”
Gestures are another essential aspect of communication, with the right gestures enhancing the message being delivered. Mariette advises using meaningful gestures that align with the content being discussed. Additionally, using individuals’ names when addressing them and maintaining attentive engagement during conversations can significantly enhance rapport and connection.
What about Non-Verbal Communication?
Another aspect of non-verbal communication is appearance. Mariette Richardson in her book notes, that in order to be a good speaker you need to look the part. “As a speaker, you communicate with your entire body, from head to toe,” she highlights. Mariette draws attention to the significance of posture and stance, emphasizing the impact it can have on the impression you make. Standing with confidence and having a grounded presence can leave a positive impression. Conversely, slouching or shifting too much can detract from your message.
“In the corporate world, every aspect of your appearance matters.” Mariette mentions the importance of attention to detail, such as ensuring clean and presentable shoes, maintaining good oral hygiene, and choosing a fragrance that is not overpowering. She also addresses the significance of hairstyles, cautioning against styles that cover the eyes. “It creates a barrier between the speaker and the audience and looks like you’re trying to hide something,” she notes. “You want your body to communicate with you, not against you.” By being mindful of these aspects, professionals can enhance their self-presentation and make a positive impact in the corporate world.
Women in the Boardroom
Finally, the last point I wanted to touch upon with her is Mariette’s experience in working with women in the boardroom. While coaching many corporate clients, Mariette acknowledges that there are distinct challenges they face. Mariette explains that women are often taught to speak up, but she encourages them to rather find their natural voice and instead of speaking louder, to project effectively and enunciate clearly.
In terms of body language, Mariette Richardson addresses the need for women to create space and have a confident posture. She advises them to relax their shoulders and stand with a firm footing. She mentions the importance of comfortable shoes that allow women to maintain a strong physical presence. Mariette emphasizes that confidence and taking space are crucial for women and highlights the power of a well-rounded voice and the effective use of pauses to convey authority and make a strong impression.
Communicating is Not Easy
The conversation also delved into the challenges women face in male-dominated industries, where judgment and competition can be prevalent. Mariette acknowledges that communication is not always easy but emphasizes that the voice can convey emotions and help navigate difficult situations. By having awareness and control over their voice and emotions, women can effectively communicate their thoughts and navigate professional challenges.
Author: Barbara Listek
More about Mariette Richardson you can find on her website and her Facebook profile.
