To project an image congruent with your professional level, there are many elements to consider, such as your appearance, your nonverbal language, your behavior in different situations, your written and spoken communication, and within the latter, your tone of voice.
Your tone of voice is a powerful tool that can boost or hinder your professional career.
Why does your tone of voice matter?
An appropriate tone of voice can make a difference in business meetings, presentations, or any professional interaction. A clear, warm, and confident tone conveys confidence and leadership, while a monotonous or insecure tone can generate doubts about your abilities.
How others perceive you based on your tone of voice:
Soft voice: Can indicate a lack of confidence, shyness, or lack of experience or youth. I remember once a woman called me who was looking to position herself in her company and told me that most of her colleagues were older and saw and felt her as very young; she wanted to change that. Upon listening to her, I imagined that she was indeed a very young person, and when I asked her age, she wasn't as young as I had imagined. Then I understood why others perceived her with that youthfulness, her tone of voice influenced this message.
Mumbling: Makes understanding difficult and weakens communication. This affects the flow of the conversation as you may have to stop to ask them to repeat what they said or try to guess what is being said in the conversation. This weakens communication and loses connection, which is important when speaking to strengthen relationships and achieve things.
Very loud voice: Can be intimidating or aggressive.
Tips to improve your tone of voice:
Breathe from your diaphragm: Avoid a nasal or shrill voice.
Maintain good posture: Sit or stand up straight to project your voice effectively.
Smile when speaking: Add warmth and energy to your voice.
Use your hands: Accompany your words with gestures to avoid monotony.
Modulate your tone: Practice lowering or raising your tone depending on the context and the message you want to convey.
I often tell the story of how, when I arrived from Torreón, I spoke with such a strong accent that sometimes people asked me if I was angry. Since they couldn't see me, they couldn't see my face and assumed the former. I had to modulate my tone of voice so that others wouldn't feel invaded when I made a call. This allowed relationships to flow better and my message to be delivered exactly as I wanted at that moment.
In other words, your tone of voice is an integral part of your personal brand and your executive presence. Pay attention to how others perceive you and seek feedback to ensure that your voice conveys the right message.
Have you ever noticed how your tone of voice influences your professional interactions?
Comments