Finding Your Professional Voice: Confidence & Impact

This course is part of Authentic Communication With Confidence And Impact Specialization

Instructor: Emmy Broomfield

178,901 already enrolled

Included with

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

1,276 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

8 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

1,276 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

8 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

Learners will use the embodied voice to engage and connect with an audience is a vital element in dynamic verbal exchange.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Composure
Category: Verbal Communication Skills
Category: Communication
Category: Public Speaking
Category: Communication Strategies
Category: Empowerment
Category: Oral Expression
Category: Self-Awareness

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

4 assignments

Taught in English

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Authentic Communication With Confidence And Impact Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

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Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
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There are 4 modules in this course

Individuals have a great capacity for vocal expression but most people haven’t had the opportunity to explore and develop it. By the end of this course learners will have gained knowledge of how the voice works, had a chance to experiment with different ways of speaking, and increased their confidence in their vocal expression.

This course is aimed at beginners but can serve as a useful ‘tune up’ for those who have some experience in this area or those who want to build upon prior learning. The only prerequisite is to be curious about voice in action and public speaking. Finding your Professional Voice takes the learner on a journey to discover how the voice works, how it can be optimised, their personal use of it, and how vocal impact can be developed in professional settings. The content of the course is useful to all learners who have vocal capacity. A small number of the exercises require a degree of physical capacity, those learners with physical impairment, or those who do not wish to undertake the movement exercises, will still be able to gain useful skills provided by the MOOC content.

This first module focuses on building awareness and understanding of the voice. You'll explore what a 'professional voice' means and how to begin finding your own. The module introduces how the voice functions in the body and what may hinder its effectiveness. Through guided exercises, you'll develop greater self-awareness and begin to identify your current speaking habits.

What's included

7 videos14 readings1 assignment

7 videosTotal 34 minutes

Course introduction2 minutes
What is 'professional voice'?2 minutes
Elements of voice and speech 3 minutes
How the voice is made6 minutes
Fight or flight response and voice5 minutes
Mindful bodyscan 9 minutes
Confidence5 minutes

14 readingsTotal 149 minutes

Course structure and navigation5 minutes
Learn effectively while developing your professional voice5 minutes
The history of voice training in UK10 minutes
Diaphragmatic breathing and its benefits10 minutes
The movement of the diaphragm5 minutes
What is the flight or fight response?10 minutes
Self-awareness: what it is and how to cultivate it10 minutes
Exercise: Becoming aware of your public speaking experience 10 minutes
Exercise: Finding confidence from within10 minutes
Dealing with performance anxiety30 minutes
How to build confidence...and spark it in others14 minutes
10 easy ways to appear more confident10 minutes
Exercise: Introducing yourself confidently10 minutes
Week 1 summary10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 5 minutes

Week 1 quiz5 minutes

One of the key components of speaking with confidence and impact is to understand and utilise the body in relation to voice and presence. Looking at areas such as release of tension, alignment, breath and projection, you'll discover new options that will help you increase your confidence and impact.

What's included

4 videos6 readings1 assignment

4 videosTotal 25 minutes

Week 2 introduction2 minutes
Releasing tension7 minutes
Finding optimal alignment8 minutes
Finding volume7 minutes

6 readingsTotal 55 minutes

How to build new voice habits10 minutes
Further resources on alignment20 minutes
Breathing basics3 minutes
Optimal breathing2 minutes
Exercise: Practicing breathing for voice10 minutes
Week 2 summary 10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

Week 2 quiz15 minutes

This week will focus on considering your audience, thinking about your message and intention, and learning techniques to help your audience connect to your message. It will also look at how body language can help you increase connection.

What's included

5 videos6 readings1 assignment

5 videosTotal 24 minutes

Week 3 introduction1 minute
Considering your audience 6 minutes
Speaking with intention3 minutes
Body language and eye contact6 minutes
Grounding and centering8 minutes

6 readingsTotal 60 minutes

Exercise: feel, think, do10 minutes
Exercise: Preparing for a presentation10 minutes
Exercise: Intention and meaning10 minutes
Exercise: body language10 minutes
Ways to feel grounded10 minutes
Week 3 summary10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

Week 3 quiz15 minutes

Building on the work introduced in the first three modules, this week will look at some specific prosody tools and techniques that can be used to create more impact. It will also bring together all strands of the course - being aware, being physical, being connected and being engaging.

What's included

6 videos7 readings1 assignment

6 videosTotal 25 minutes

Week 4 Introduction2 minutes
Emphasis in action3 minutes
Articulation and its role in impactful speech6 minutes
Different ways of varying pitch 7 minutes
Pros and cons of speaking at different paces4 minutes
Course summary2 minutes

7 readingsTotal 65 minutes

Exercise: Identifying emphasis10 minutes
Exercise: Articulation practice10 minutes
Exercise: Your speaking speed 10 minutes
The power of the pause10 minutes
Exercise: The importance of pausing10 minutes
Week 4 summary10 minutes
Course final checklist5 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

Week 4 quiz15 minutes

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Instructor

Instructor ratings

(437 ratings)

Emmy Broomfield

Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

3 Courses186,449 learners

Offered by

University of London

Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

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Showing 3 of 1276

5.0

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2024

It is full of knowledge. I am happy that I am taking this course. It gives me a lot of insights about how to hone my voice.

5.0

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2023

''This Coursera course exceeded my expectations with its exceptional content and supportive community. It's a game-changer for anyone looking to upskill."

5.0

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2024

I am Ho Hong Minh, from Vietnam. I have found many usefull lessons in this course, which help me alot in teaching English. I am very appreciated all knowledge in this course. Thank you all teachers!

Frequently asked questions

To access course materials, assignments, and earn a Certificate, you'll need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. Eligible learners may also have the option to start with a Free Trial. Some courses may also offer a Full Course, No Certificate option. This lets you access course materials, submit required assessments, and receive a final grade, but you won't be able to earn or purchase a Certificate.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

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