Be Truly Heard

In this episode of Be Truly Heard, Anne explores why a vocal warm-up matters, using the athlete analogy to highlight performance and injury prevention for speakers. She explains voice as a whole system of breath, abdominal support, larynx and focus, and how speaking raises adrenaline that benefits from light movement. Simple habit ideas make warm-ups easy to fit into mornings, anchored to the toothbrush, kettle or shower.A short guided sequence covers breath reset, gentle Z or V voicing, tongue and jaw release, facial activation, crisp consonants, and an easy hum to wake range. Anne clarifies the difference between warming up and training, encourages tailoring to the task, and invites listeners to get in touch for personalised guidance.Key TakeawaysTreat your voice like an athlete’s: warm up to avoid fatigue, improve performance and reduce risk.Build a morning habit: stack vocal warm-ups onto existing routines (kettle note, fridge sticky, shower steam).Breathe efficiently: long, leaky psh out-breath; let the lower tummy release to refill, no chest pushing.Wake the folds gently with Z/V; add tongue circles, TH stretch, light jaw massage, “five wows”, then P-T-K / B-D-G bursts.Glide pitch with puffed cheeks to ease range, keep effort low, and movements relaxed.Safety first: don’t practise while driving/using machinery; be cautious with clicky jaws/teeth-grinding.Warm-ups differ from training; tailor them to phone calls, Zoom or projecting to a room (with/without mic).App tip: One Minute Voice Warm Up by Speech Tools/Vocal Process can keep you consistent.Best Moments“If you use your voice a lot… you are actually a professional voice user.”“Using your voice is like running or any other sport.”“A warm-up is there just to get the voice going.”“By the way, if you’re listening to this in the car, don’t do this.”About the hostWith over 28 years’ voice-teaching experience, Anne Leatherland helps clients progress quickly and achieve goals with confidence. Bridging science, education and the performing arts, she is a science graduate, qualified teacher and singing teacher with advanced training in voice practice, vocal habilitation and life coaching. As the only Vocal Process Associate Trainer, Anne mentors and trains other voice teachers. Her holistic, collaborative approach nurtures every aspect of the voice alongside personal growth.Find out more: ​​https://anneleatherland.co.uk/Resources mentionedDon’t forget that you can also now see this episode on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@vocalintuition3343Be Truly Heard, Anne’s coaching for speaking with confidence and impactsubscribepage.io/zZFj3G

In this episode of Be Truly Heard, Anne Leatherland revisits the idea of “owning the space” and takes it further, on how to take up space so you feel you belong in the room and your message lands. She explains that voice is both physical and personal, shaped by breath, alignment and the nervous system, and shares two client wins (Elsa’s impromptu graduation talk and Claire’s high-stakes Zoom) to show how grounding, breath–vocal fold coordination and seated dynamic alignment can transform confidence and clarity. Anne contrasts rigid “power poses” with natural, responsive body use, then guides safe awareness exercises on head–neck balance (drawing on the Alexander Technique), spinal curves and allowing micromovements to stay balanced. Key TakeawaysOwning the space is essential, but feeling entitled to take it up (you belong here; your voice deserves to be heard) is the unlock for confident speaking.Swap “posture” for dynamic alignment: a responsive, balanced stance or seat that keeps you free to move and speak, never rigid. Think micromovements, not statues.Head–neck balance changes your sound: craning forward, lifting the chin, leaning, or slumping tightens the system; a small “nodding dog” balance frees it. Try counting to five in each position to feel the difference.Your voice is a system: breath interacts with the vocal folds, supported by abdominal and stabilising musculature, so alignment and breathing habits matter.Best Moments“Successful communication begins before you even open your mouth.”“Our head is not attached to our neck like a lollipop on a stick.”“We need to allow what I call micro movements.”“Our voice is the result of lots of different processes.”About the hostWith over 28 years’ voice-teaching experience, Anne Leatherland helps clients progress quickly and achieve goals with confidence. Bridging science, education and the performing arts, she is a science graduate, qualified teacher and singing teacher with advanced training in voice practice, vocal habilitation and life coaching. As the only Vocal Process Associate Trainer, Anne mentors and trains other voice teachers. Her holistic, collaborative approach nurtures every aspect of the voice alongside personal growth.Find out more: ​​https://anneleatherland.co.uk/Weekly Top Tips To find out more, contact Anne hereBook a Discovery Call hereAnd reach out on Social Media:LinkedInFacebookInstagram

Ever feel like video just isn't your thing - like you’re too awkward, too emotional, or just too… visible? In this episode, I’m joined by Adam Woods, filmmaker and coach who helps coaches, leaders, and business owners harness the power of emotion and vulnerability on camera to creategenuine, lasting connections, to talk about why showing up on camera with presence, vulnerability, and truth is actually a superpower. We explore emotional storytelling, mindset shifts that make all the difference, and how to connect through a screen in a way that truly lands. If you’ve been holding back from using your voice (and your face) in your business, this conversation might be the nudge you didn’t know you needed.Here are the highlights:Adam's Journey into Filmmaking and Coaching (2:00)The Power of Vulnerability and Emotional Sharing (5:14)Transformative Moments in Coaching (9:37)Overcoming Self-Consciousness and Building Confidence (14:51)The Role of Storytelling in Business Communication (20:06)The Impact of Emotional Storytelling (20:23)Mindset Shifts for Effective Communication (25:27)The Importance of Presence and Energy (28:45)Connect with Adam:Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/adamwoods1Website: cameraconfidence.co.uk/  Weekly Top Tips To find out more, contact Anne hereBook a Discovery Call hereAnd reach out on Social Media:LinkedInFacebookInstagram

Is it really every woman for herself in business, or are we finally moving towards something more supportive? In this episode, I chat with Julia Bend and Valerie Merrill about how their podcast partnership started with one conversation, and turned into a brilliant collaboration.We talk about women backing women, showing up for each other, and the power of sharing ideas without fear. You’ll also hear their thoughts on visibility, learning, opportunity, and why change doesn’t have to mean losing your voice. This episode is a reminder that success doesn’t need to be solo. Valerie Merrill is a training specialist and founder of Merrill Consultants, where she helps organisations successfully embed new software and navigate business change. With a deep understanding of bespoke systems, CRM, case and document management, and change management, Valerie ensures training is not only delivered - but truly adopted. She works closely with IT, HR and L&D leaders to make training engaging, effective, and aligned with business goals. Valerie is also co-host of The Secrets of Learning and Development podcast, where she explores the latest in L&D, tech adoption, and how to make learning stick in fast-moving environments. Julia Bend is an accredited executive career transition coach and founder of Premier Coaching. She helps professionals realign with their purpose, navigate career changes with clarity, and achieve greater work-life harmony. With a background in corporate IT and process analysis, Julia brings strategic insight and empathy to every coaching relationship. Her tailored programmes support individuals at key crossroads, turning uncertainty into opportunity. Julia is also co-host of The Secrets of Learning and Development podcast, where she shares real-world wisdom on growth, leadership, and thriving through transition.Here are the highlightsJulia and Valerie's Career Journeys (2:03)Forming the Podcast "The Secrets of Learning and Development" (5:56)Challenges and Support for Women in Business (9:35)Top Secrets of Learning and Development (22:21)Conclusion and Contact Information (25:28)Weekly Top Tips To find out more, contact Anne hereBook a Discovery Call hereAnd reach out on Social Media:LinkedInFacebookInstagram

Confidence is one of those things we’re told we just need more of, but what if that’s not the full story? In this episode, I’m joined by Mary Gregory. Mary is a leadership coach, consultant, author, and speaker with over 25 years of experience in helping leaders navigate through challenging changes, meet ambitious targets, and build trustworthy relationships. She is also a thought leader on the Forbes Coaches Council, where she shares her insights on leadership, empathy, connection, and the future of work. Mary’s work involves coaching senior leaders, designing and facilitating  leadership programs, and supporting the development of inclusive working cultures while empowering women leaders. With this in mind, she has a LinkedIn group, She Leads Collective, for purpose-driven leaders committed  to creating balanced workplaces where everyone has the chance to thrive. In this episode we unpack the myths around confidence and explore what it really takes to lead with impact.We talk about the difference between confidence and self esteem, how ego can sometimes masquerade as confidence, and why women often feel they have to work harder to be heard. If you’ve ever doubted yourself or questioned what true confidence looks like, this conversation is for you!Here are the highlights(01:46) Defining Confidence(03:25) Energy and Confidence(06:53) Handling Uncertainty and Ego(16:59) Gender Biases in Leadership(21:30) The Importance of Listening(23:25) Authentic ConfidenceConnect with Mary: Ego: Get over yourself and lead WebsiteWeekly Top Tips To find out more, contact Anne hereBook a Discovery Call hereAnd reach out on Social Media:LinkedInFacebookInstagram