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Anita Stryker: Finding Your Authentic Voice\xa0

Welcome back! This week\u2019s guest, Anita Stryker, is here to tell us all about the \u201cauthentic voice\u201d and how it can benefit us in the workplace. Anita got into the voice-training business by first learning about her own vocal patterns. With help from Linda Brice, founder of the Transformational Voice method, Anita recognized vocal tension that was ultimately connected to fear and shame. Through breathing and posture techniques, Anita was able to reshape her vocal tone. Today, she helps others do the same through personal development workshops and speech coaching.\xa0

So what does it mean to have an authentic voice? \u201cIt\u2019s about starting with breath, and then turning that breath into resonance,\u201d Anita explains.

The authentic voice refers to aligning vocals with posture and diaphragmatic breathing. Much how a singer fine-tunes her voice for song, it\u2019s equally important to sharpen the speaking voice. When the voice and breath are aligned, the result is a smoother, less choppy sound. It\u2019s a voice that exudes confidence and authority. In the business world, women can benefit from finding their authentic voices in three major ways:\xa0

1) Making their messages more succinct through thoughtful pauses;\xa0

2) Identifying patterns of tension in others people\u2019s voices, which\xa0 can help improve relationships with clients and colleagues; and,\xa0

3) Linking communication to both the mind and body, creating a more powerful voice.\xa0

The second point is particularly important for financial advisors. Conversations about money inevitably create tension. If advisors could sense this stress through their clients\u2019 voices and address their concerns, the client/advisor relationship could become that much more powerful. \xa0

[For tips about how to create more commanding body language, check out the Women Rocking Wall Street episode, \u201cConfidence Is Contagious.\u201d]

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For more information about Anita\u2019s training and workshops, visit her website at\xa0 Anitastryker.com. Anita will also be teaching a course called Ignite Your Voice from April 17-19, alongside Audrey Steele and Amy Terepka.\xa0