Guest speaker talks the talk

By Lia Bichel
VOICE, stance and leadership were the focus of a informative business breakfast in Noble Park last week.
Dr Louise Mahler gave a humorous and educational presentation at the South East Business Network (SEBN) Showcasing Women in Breakfast on 10 September.
Dr Mahler is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, corporate trainer and executive coach with a signature style that is fun and candid, full of high doses of humour, reflection energy and passion.
She is the originator of the ground-breaking theory of Vocal Intelligence that won the 2006 RMIT University Award for Innovation.
Dr Mahler provided guest with interesting advice about public speaking. She said people should concentrate on their diaphragm to produce a clear voice.
“Taking a deep breath should be confided to the yoga studio,” she said.
“When you are in front of people you need to do something else. When you breathe out, you open up the diaphragm.”
She said this can be done by coughing, and advised speakers to cough before speaking to a crowd.
She also suggested standing with feet parallel, legs loose, back straight, head up, and hands on the wrist.
“When you do this it gives you A-symmetry,” she said.
But, she said, hand gestures are allowed.
To speak about the past, she suggests motioning one hand over the shoulder. To speak the future, one hand makes a grasping motion something. Fingers to the ears symbolises feedback, and pulling hands into the body symbolise feelings.
“Do not stand still. To be powerful, make gestures but make sure they are congruent.”
She reiterated the fact that a clear and concise voice would help increase confidence, improve relationships and make people feel better about themselves.
“Voice is very important when it comes to the message you are giving yourself and others,” she said.