In today’s guest post Paula Jones looks at one of the things that can get in the way of coaches running their own teleclass or webinars.

Webinar Woes – When You Hate the Sound of Your Own Voice

by Paula Jones

One of the great ways of getting your expertise out there is to create webinars. It’s a great list builder, it means your message is heard, and you are showcasing your knowledge and teaching people in a really effective way.

I love webinars, but contrary to what some people may believe, I don’t really love the sound of my own voice, and I know I’m not alone there. And it’s a bit of a bummer really, because I’m also a hypnotherapist and I rely on my voice to help people relax and go into trance.

I hear this a lot, that one of the major things that holds people back is the thought of having to hear themselves on a webinar.

Does it make you cringe?

We don’t really sound the way we think we do.

That voice you hear in your head (no, not that one, your actual voice) is the one you hear resonating around your facial bones, and it’s the one you are used to. It can be such a shocker when you hear yourself recorded for the first time. It’s embarrassing, even; and yet, this is the version of your voice that other people hear ALL THE TIME. Do you think about that when you’re talking to your friends? I’m going to challenge the “no” response that you may be wanting to give, because if it was foremost in your mind, you’d never get anything done.

So, as this is your normal voice, do your friends beg you to stop screeching? Or do they clamp their hands over their ears when you approach? I’m guessing not. So, as they don’t hate your voice, and it’s demonstrable that they don’t hate it, it’s time to accept the evidence that you sound OK to them.

When you hear yourself on a recording, you’re hearing what your friends hear; you’re not hearing the normal vibrations that go on when you’re speaking, so your voice has a different quality. This is perfectly OK. And when you’re talking to people you like about subjects that interest you, you don’t worry about your voice at all…

And that’s the key to getting over the sound of your voice on a webinar.

1. Talk about something you love

When you are talking about your passions, you are animated, and being animated is attractive. Tone of voice is important to auditory learners and when you could go on about a subject for days, it sounds great on a recording.

2. Use notes instead of a script

If you are really unsure about your voice, don’t write out a full script because the chances are, you’ll sound as if you’re reading; this doesn’t allow for natural pauses, different inflections, and so on. And anyway, you could lose your place and end up with an uncomfortable (for you) silence.

3. Act as if you’re talking to a friend

I’m all for acting as if in many areas of life. In webinars, if you’re talking to a friend, you’re talking to someone who champions you and wants to hear you; and by the way, so do all the people who have signed up for your webinar. You will be able to relax more and your voice will really not bother you so much.

Once it’s done, it’s done. It’s out there. No one is going to email you later and say “great webinar, but could you get a stunt double for your voice?”

It’s a shame to miss out on this great medium over the fear of what if… because the what if isn’t going to happen.

Get out there, get recording, get in front of your clients, and enjoy. They’ll love it too.

About Paula Jones and Coach Class

Coach Class is all about helping you to get your skills right so that you can put your knowledge out there, and get your products put together.
The difference at Coach Class is that you are guided and taught by a professional coach, trainer and therapist who has nearly two decades of experience in training and design, and can help you get your programmes right first time.

For more information, contact Paula; visit http://mycoachclass.co.uk
Free product creation workbook

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paula_F_Jones