What’s vocal presence?

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As the term implies, vocal presence is using your voice’s tone, color and richness to complement your body language and the words you’re communicating. Here are just a few of the variables influenced by your vocal presence:

• confidence
• intelligence
• friendliness
• competence
• empathy
• calmness
• experience

In the absence of visual cues (i.e., on the phone), listeners will focus strongly on your voice. And thankfully, vocal presence is a communication skill you can master to positively influence your audience’s impression of you.

Tips for developing vocal presence

On the phone, your interviewer will (both consciously and unconsciously) assess the way you speak to draw conclusions about your candidacy. Below, our food industry executive recruiters share simple tips to improve your vocal presence – and ultimately land the food and beverage job you want:

• Pay attention to your posture. Your voice reflects your body’s position. Sit up with your shoulders back (or even stand) so that your vocal and breathing apparatus are free to work properly.
• Smile when you speak. It may sound contrived, but it works. Speaking with a smile on your face: improves your state of mind; conveys your enthusiasm for the job; makes the listener feel good; and helps you make a positive impression.
• Control your pitch, rate. When under pressure, people typically speak faster and in a higher tone. Practice slowing your rate of speech, controlling your pitch and using inflection to add richness and interest to your language.