470. Expert Interview: How to Speak with Confidence, Credibility and Conviction

Cynthia Zhai

Cynthia Zhai is a voice coach, speaker, trainer, and author of the book “Influence through Voice,” published by McGraw-Hill. She has helped senior executives from multinational corporations and government bodies with their voice and speeches to speak with impact and conviction. She engages and inspires people to embrace change and take action. Her experience, professionalism, and effectiveness have brought tangible results for clients, not only in the way they project their influential and convincing voice, but in leading teams and negotiating with customers. She’s worked with clients from 36 countries over five continents including the Singapore Tourism Board, Barclay’s Bank, and Google.

How to Speak with Confidence, Credibility and Conviction

Many executives spend most of their days talking to clients around the world. Not long ago, most of their communication would have taken place over the phone. Today, an increasing number of corporations are using Skype, YouTube and other media that combine video with audio. You only have a few seconds to establish initial credibility. Learning to convey confidence and conviction, which leads to credibility, is crucial. Coaching in voice and overall visual presentation can pay off handsomely, both for the individual executive and the company.

Why Is This Important?

Cynthia Zhai works with clients on their “DQ.” “That doesn’t stand for drama queen,” she jokes. “It stands for dynamics and quality. In addressing dynamics, the purpose is, for many people, to remove their monotone and use modulation of pitch and volume effectively. Addressing the quality of the voice includes several factors such as mumbling, which may be an unconscious habit, or a high pitch or nasal sound, either of which may be grating or irritating to the listener. It does not sound credible.”

What Are the Key Lessons Learned Here?

Each individual has his or her own habits of speech and unconscious ways of communicating. A coach who specializes in voice, facial expression and even nonverbal communication can help anyone who relies heavily on interpersonal communication by developing a personalized, tailored approach. The result can be an improved ability to speak with confidence, credibility, and conviction.