Voice and communication coaching

for speaking, performance,

storytelling and authentic connection

Grow your voice without losing yourself

SJ headshot

Voice and Communication Coaching

for speaking, performance, storytelling and authentic connection

Grow your voice without losing yourself

Each client comes with a different goal.

Some are preparing for a difficult conversation. Some are leading teams or telling their story. Others are performers, or people whose relationship with their voice has changed over time.

Whatever brings you here, the work begins by discovering how your voice can communicate with greater clarity and confidence.

I’m an investigator and lifelong learner. I’m fascinated by the ways our cultural, professional, and personal experiences shape our ability not only to communicate effectively, but also to experience confidence, connection, and joy in expressing ourselves.

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LaurieAnn Lepoff profile picture
LaurieAnn Lepoff
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I am 76 years old and have never been able to project my voice. When I was attacked, I couldn't scream. After teaching for a short while, my throat gets sore. I took SJ's 12 week course and the results were absolutely miraculous. For the first time in my life, I can send my voice out with clarity that does not impact my throat. I can add volume and it doesn't hurt. I still have to concentrate to do it right but I can tell that with practice it will be something I can do naturally with ease. Most of the time when I see healers I just take their word for it that I am improving, but I don't really see the results. This time the results are absolutely life-changing. If I could give more stars, I would!
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Jen Halsing profile picture
Jen Halsing
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A director I've worked with on two prior shows attended a theater performance I was in where I was privileged to work with SJ and apply her vocal coaching techniques. He voluntarily shared that he noticed my voice was significantly stronger. SJ's vocal techniques have expanded my vocal range in both speaking and singing and given me a stronger, more reliable instrument to use for expression. SJ distills her vast knowledge, professional training and direct experience into accessible content that students can easily apply. Her teaching style is engaging and uplifting. I've gained skills that have helped me grow as an actor and in my nonacting life. I highly recommend working with SJ in a class or through one-on-one coaching.
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Marie Biek profile picture
Marie Biek
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Working with SJ Harrison was honestly life-changing for me! I’m an entrepreneur, and I was never really comfortable talking in front of big groups. What I didn’t realize was how much emotional stuff was tied up in not using my voice. SJ helped me see that, and she showed me how to get into my body, use my breath, and actually feel grounded when I speak. She makes the whole process feel safe and supportive, and it’s such a comfort knowing I have her on my side for my self-growth journey. On top of that, the tools she gave me have even improved the way I communicate with my patients — which has made a huge difference in my work. I can’t recommend her enough if you want to find your voice and feel more confident being heard.
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Lauren Carbonell profile picture
Lauren Carbonell
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I worked with SJ as a 1:1 vocal coach for several months with the goal of improving my ability to speak with customers and employees, public speaking, and also to get back into my singing practice. As I’ve gone through hormone treatment in the last few years, my voice has changed and I’ve become more self-conscious overall, which made it harder to speak and sing. First of all, SJ helped me learn how to use my breath and posture in a way that harnessed my full potential. She also helped me find the register that was appropriate to utilize my energy properly. SJ has a vast knowledge of communication with employees and customers as a former contractor. She has taught me how to make my boundaries clear and concise in my plumbing business, and helped me learn to relay information in a way that people can understand clearly. Sometimes I’ve been known to over-share, but SJ taught me how to pick the most important things to share and when it is important to keep it simple! It’s amazing how much improvement I can see in my communication with other people and also in my singing from working with SJ over the last few months. Some of it has happened overnight and some of the changes are more gradual, but I can say for sure that the changes feel better both inside and out. SJ is a coach who has a striking amount of empathy and listening skills that match her brilliant speaking and vocal skills. She makes speaking and performing appear effortless, but I discovered her secret: that kind of talent requires practice! This type of work can be very emotional, maybe more so for a person like me, who has gone through many physical changes, but SJ has made me feel at home with her and helped me build my confidence in a big way. In the past, I did not always feel like I was being heard. SJ has helped me feel comfortable enough to ask for the respect that I deserve in all aspects of my life. I feel that I am able to take myself more seriously, and it makes other people feel more confident in my work and in my personal relationships. I feel that this work could benefit anyone, whether you’re a stage performer or just trying to improve communication at work or at home. Thank you so much for your work with me, SJ.
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Anna Borja profile picture
Anna Borja
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I took SJ's "Voice for Speakers and Actors" class at the Berkeley Repertory School of Theatre, and I had a wonderful and enlightening experience. SJ taught us so much about proper and healthy usage of the voice and how to effectively apply it to a wide variety of situations (public speaking, poetry and book readings, acting monologues). SJ also cultivated an inclusive and welcoming environment where my peers and I felt safe to share our thoughts, questions, and personal experiences. When coaching us, she gave insightful and specific feedback that resulted in a notable improvement to each person's performance. I was very impressed with SJ's skills as both a coach and discussion facilitator. I think any student or client could benefit from her teaching.
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Marguerite French profile picture
Marguerite French
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I took SJ's class at Berkeley Rep and it was exactly what I'd been looking for: a straightforward way to find the resonance and authenticity of my voice. I feel more confident sharing my thoughts because I know my voice can carry their import. On a technical level, my vocal range has increased by about three notes on either end - an added bonus for a class focused on speaking voice. SJ is kind and clear-sighted, and has a wealth of knowledge that helped me and each of my classmates take big steps forward.
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Faramarz Moeen-Ziai profile picture
Faramarz Moeen-Ziai
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SJ Harrison has been an outstanding coach for my public speaking. She helped me sharpen my writing, improve my presence on stage, and use my voice more effectively to create impactful presentations. Her feedback is clear, practical, and easy to apply, and I noticed improvements right away. What I appreciated most is that she tailors her coaching to your goals, giving you the tools to communicate with confidence and authenticity. I feel much better prepared for both professional and public speaking situations. I highly recommend SJ to anyone looking to elevate their speaking skills.
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James Gioia profile picture
James Gioia
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For so long, “finding my voice” usually referred to clarifying and articulating my passions, values and identity. Very little attention has been paid to the mechanics of that voice. Too often that passion is subsumed by the vocal patterns petrified over time, limiting my expression. SJ broke through that pattern, freeing my voice, giving it a fullness and range that embodies who I am and what I want to convey as an actor and singer. SJ’s classes are both revelatory and inspiring.
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R Manzanares profile picture
R Manzanares
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I recently had the pleasure of working with SJ Harrison as my voice and performance coach, and I can’t recommend her highly enough! SJ's warm and encouraging demeanor put me at ease. She has a remarkable ability to tailor her coaching style to fit my individual needs, whether I was looking to improve my vocal technique or build my confidence speaking on stage. Thanks to SJ, I feel more confident and prepared. If you’re looking for a voice and performance coach who genuinely cares about your growth and success, look no further than SJ.
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Dawn Deardorf profile picture
Dawn Deardorf
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I am so grateful for SJ’s guidance during our 45-minute session! With her support, I’ve transformed my weekly 30-second presentations for my networking group. Speaking in front of 30 people now feels easy and enjoyable, thanks to her expert coaching on pacing, tone, and breath. SJ gave me the confidence to come up with creative and fun ideas, and since working with her, I’ve actually won our weekly “best presentation” contest twice! Her encouragement and practical tips have turned presenting from something I dreaded into something I look forward to every week. SJ’s work is truly invaluable—and I can’t thank her enough for helping me find my voice and excitement for public speaking! Thank you, SJ!
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