The One Contact Missing from Your Rolodex: A Voice Coach
Let’s be honest—who still uses the term "Rolodex"? But whether you call it your contact list, address book, or professional network, there may be one highly valuable contact missing: a qualified voice coach.
Most people don’t even realise voice coaching is a thing—until they need it.
"I had no idea people like you existed" is the most common sentence I hear from new clients.
Why Haven’t You Heard of Voice Coaching?
Voice coaching has been around for decades, but it’s often misunderstood or lumped into outdated ideas of "elocution" or "public speaking tips." If you search for help with speech or accent challenges, you may default to terms like:
While these can be helpful, they rarely cover the full scope of what a qualified voice coach offers.
What Does a Voice Coach Actually Do?
A fully trained voice coach works at the intersection of:
Advanced communication skills: pacing, tone, inflection, rhetoric and influence
Authenticity & presence
Speaking to camera
Breathing & breath control
Crafting speeches
Emotional connection to speech
Vocal power & stamina
Speech clarity & pronunciation
Accent work & intelligibility
Posture, tension release & body alignment
Whether you're presenting in a boardroom, leading a workshop, pitching to investors, teaching, podcasting, or simply holding conversations that matter—your voice is your most vital tool.
Beyond Accent Reduction: The Full Spectrum of Voice Work
Many people assume voice coaching is only for:
Softening an accent
Correcting unclear pronunciation
That’s part of it, but it's only the beginning. Consider these situations:
You sound quiet, breathy, or strained.
Your voice tires easily in long meetings, presentations or teaching days.
Your speech feels rushed or mumbled under pressure.
Your confidence collapses when speaking in high-stakes settings.
You struggle to keep listeners engaged, even when content is strong.
You experience tension in your throat, jaw, shoulders, or chest.
A skilled voice coach diagnoses why these things happen and teaches you how to fix them safely and sustainably.
The Performance Expertise Bonus
Many qualified voice coaches have professional backgrounds in performance (theatre, TV, radio, or film). This adds a unique depth to their coaching:
Understanding rhythm, phrasing, and timing
Mastering vocal energy and nuance
Using rhetorical techniques to shape meaning and engagement
Important note: A good voice coach does not make you sound theatrical or artificial but rather helps you to move into your natural charisma and confidence with authenticity.
The Psychological Layer: Confidence, Anxiety & Presence
Effective voice coaching goes beyond mechanics. It acknowledges the psychological realities of speaking:
Performance anxiety
Fear of judgement or failure
Authentic self-expression
Staying calm under pressure
Managing difficult conversations and audiences
Your voice carries not only your words but also your confidence, presence, and emotional state.
What Makes a Qualified Voice Coach?
If you're searching for a voice coach, qualifications and training matter. Here are some respected credentials to look for (especially in the UK):
University-Level Qualifications
MA in Voice Studies — Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (London)
Professional Voice Practice MA — Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Former Guildhall School voice graduates (trained under renowned coach Patsy Rodenburg)
MFA in Professional Voice Studies — Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (from 2019)
Renowned Independent Methods
Jo Estill (Estill Voice Training)
Catherine Fitzmaurice (Fitzmaurice Voicework)
Roy Hart Theatre approach
Related Fields
Linguists and phoneticians (pronunciation, speech clarity and language)
Speech and Language Therapists (primarily medical and clinical needs)
While formal training isn’t the only route to expertise, credible qualifications often indicate a depth of knowledge you won't find in generic public speaking courses.
Why Most People Don’t Think to Hire a Voice Coach
They believe their challenges are purely psychological (confidence, nerves).
They think it's only for actors or performers.
They assume "speaking is natural," so technique isn't required.
In truth, voice coaching bridges the physical, the psychological, and the performative. That’s what makes it so effective.
FAQs
Is voice coaching only for public speaking?
No. It applies to any social or professional situation where your voice matters: meetings, conversations, teaching, video calls, interviews, and more.
Will a voice coach change how I sound?
Only if you want to. The goal is greater freedom, ease, and choice in how you use your voice—while remaining authentic.
How quickly can I see results?
With consistent practice, many clients feel noticeable improvements within a few weeks.
Is it different from elocution lessons?
Yes. Voice coaching is broader and deeper. Elocution often focused narrowly on “sounding proper”; modern voice coaching prioritises clarity, presence, and individual expression.
Final Thoughts
If your work involves speaking (and let’s face it, whose doesn’t?), then developing your voice is one of the smartest investments you can make.
A qualified voice coach doesn’t just help you "speak up"—they help you speak with clarity, confidence, and genuine presence.
Your voice is a powerful tool—and most people have barely scratched the surface of what it can do.
Want to explore how voice coaching could transform your communication? Click here to learn more.
Ashley Howard is a UK-based voice coach with 18+ years of experience helping professionals, leaders, and individuals master their spoken voice for greater confidence and impact.