Uncover what’s holding you back and

Transform your Speaking Experience

Develop your voice using proprietary tools and techniques tailor-made for your unique circumstances.

Will I ever be able to get on stage or start an important conversation without feeling anxious or lacking?

I hear you. And I’ve heard this before. As a voice and performance coach of 15+ years with 100s of clients from varied backgrounds, I say you will. You can! 

You have expertise and know how in spades. And there are probably situations in your life where you speak freely and easily. But it’s a completely different story in those higher stakes arenas, such as speaking in public, meeting new people, or briefing senior leaders or even your team. 

You want to shine in ALL circumstances, without:

❌ worrying about a monotonous or wooden delivery

❌ struggling to clearly articulate your point because you over-explain or speak too fast

❌ being concerned your accent and inflections will be misunderstood 

❌ spending so much time preparing for your speech (or procrastinating) that you have no time to practice speaking

The ability to inspire, inform, persuade, and speak with impact is within you. You just need the right tools to unlock it. 

 

Maybe you’ve already started training your voice to make an impact.

    toastmasters

    Perhaps you have a
    Toastmasters membership

    books

    You’re watching videos, reading books, and listening to podcasts

    player button

    YouTube is your
    new best friend 

    But something is missing.

    You’re trying everything you can to speak more powerfully and confidently, but your brain, body, and mouth just don’t seem to cooperate!

    To develop a powerful voice you need to work on more than your physical voice.

    Programs not specific to you can help you address the voice and speaking issues common to many. But they fail to delve deeper into what’s really holding you back from developing a voice you’ll be proud of.  Finding your true voice, not just at work but in every area, requires a holistic approach specific to your situation.

    For that, you need someone who can:

      ✅ Guide you to the root of your voice issues with a deeper psychological understanding

      ✅ Provide accurate positive feedback on what is working for you and how to build on that

      ✅ Guide you on working with your particular symptoms and nervous system

      SJ Harrison

      That’s where I come in. 

      multiracial group of people

      My clients come from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and professional backgrounds. 

      Whether aiming at new horizons or increased excellence in their professional and personal lives, they all have one thing in common:

      The belief that, with the right guidance and tools, they can showcase their true potential by developing their communication style and using their voice more impactfully.

      If you believe that too and are ready to take ownership of your transformation, allow me to be your guide.

      Introducing My 1:1 Coaching Services

        unlock your performance power logo

        An 8-week 1:1 coaching program that meets you where you’re at in your speaking journey.

        Unpack and reframe the held beliefs that have been holding you back as we develop a tailor-made practice for YOU to transform your particular speaking challenges into triumphs.

        Week 1:

        Learn to breathe, support your voice and calm your nervous system, while addressing the inner voice that’s holding you back 

        Week 2:

        Work with yourself using physical vocal techniques to support your psychological transformation as you start supporting your voice

        Week 3:

        Build your connection with your audience as you continue to expand your vocal tonal range and improve your articulation

        Week 4:

        Investigate how culture and identity play a role in how you show up for speaking as you put together a vocal practice for events

        Week 5:

        Utilize your tailor-made practice while beginning to outline a speech or presentation draft specific to your circumstances

        Week 6:

        Continue to expand on your draft as you learn to cater to 4 different learning styles and begin creating impactful text

        Week 7:

        Finalizing your draft, add new dynamics to your presentation or speech to support your improved performance

        Week 8:

        Envision your future and identify the next steps, evaluating where you were, how far you’ve come and where you want to go next

        Get access to:

        guidebooks

        Guidebooks for each week

        Full of prompts, exercises, and suggestions to:
        • explore all aspects of your speaking experience and help you go deeper into how you perceive your speaking
        • become conscious of your vocal and physical communication in all settings
        • develop your authentic style
        breathing exercises

        Videos and Guided Exercises

        So you can:
        • learn breathing techniques to support your voice
        • develop the vocal power, vocal color, and expressivity you need to keep your audience engaged
        coaching

        (8) 1 on 1 Sessions with Me

        (One per week) for developing communication styles appropriate to YOUR formal & informal speaking situations. Like:
        • articulation, clarity of speech/accent 
        • pacing, pause, intentionality
        • and so much more

        The best part, you only need to spend 3.5 hours per week to see the transformation in your psyche and your voice. 

        If you’re an experienced public speaker, an actor, or preparing for a TED Talk, CLICK HERE!

        After completing 1:1 coaching with me…

          Mimose Parvilus…

          was able to be expressive in her body when briefing senior leaders. She was confident and no longer felt less than. She stopped minimizing herself and started expressing her ideas with ease.

            Heeju J…   

            realized that it wasn’t her “physical” voice or sound that challenged her, but her “emotional” or inner voice that had been stifled throughout her life. She understood exactly where the real work had to be done and now knows how to maintain her true voice.

              Somtirtha R…

              progressed professionally as he became better at communicating, speaking, and being heard. His confidence has opened up new doors & opportunities, leading him to take on new and exciting roles.

                Want to test the waters before joining
                the 1 on 1 program?

                 

                Try a Breakthrough Strategy Session


                A 90 minute 1:1 strategy session ideal for someone who wants an immediate breakthrough on a specific speaking issue. This may include but not be limited to:

                • ✔️ Techniques for content memorization
                • ✔️ Rehearsing a speech for your event
                • ✔️ Learning how to deliver this speech with impact
                • ✔️ Correcting rapid speech or other pacing issues

                Investment of $375

                My VIP Package

                 

                Come to the San Francisco Bay Area and work 1:1 with me in the studio for a week or two. 

                A boutique experience designed just for you.  We can work on:

                • ✔️ Breathing and Voice
                • ✔️ Timing, Gesture, Dynamic Speaking
                • ✔️ Writing, Learning & Rehearsing a Speech
                • ✔️ Performing your speech for a small supportive audience provided by me

                To some extent, the sky’s the limit!  Let’s create your ideal experience.

                Stop missing out on opportunities that could lead to big things in the future.

                Don’t let the difficulty to express yourself with clarity, ease and confidence impact your personal brand. It’s time to say no to being passed over for roles you would be perfect for. And start making the impact you’d like to see in the world.

                 

                You know you have it in you to speak powerfully, with impact.

                FAQs

                What is Voice & Performance Coaching?

                To an extent, this depends on what your needs are!  Because I’ve found that working with the physical voice unlocks what’s going on with the psychological voice, my coaching centers the physical voice as a place to begin, and works outwards from there.  Many people who come to me don’t know how to breathe for speaking or how to speak with impact.  But this isn’t true of everyone.  Due to my extensive performance background as  actor, writer and a teacher of voice, movement and text in performance, I have many tools at my disposal to meet you where you are.   Some of my clients will learn breath and voice exercises to begin.  With others, we will dive in right away with how to structure meetings/speeches and how to deliver impactful text.

                You mention psychological aspects of voice; is voice coaching like therapy?

                Coaching is not therapy, but in my experience it can be therapeutic.  Working with the physical voice highlights who we are in the world: how we feel about ourselves and whether we feel received by others i.e. our audience.  Becoming more intentional in how we breathe, speak and use our voices has a positive impact on the nervous system and raises confidence. I encourage clients to observe and be curious and reflect back to them what I am hearing or seeing.

                What makes your approach stand out?

                The combination of  credentials and experience that I bring to coaching (academic, playwright and actor) are unusual but not unheard of.  In a nutshell, what makes me stand out is my holistic approach.  Not only do I come from a performance background but through practice-based research into performance processes, I have an understanding of the phsyiological aspects of speaking and how working with the body can positively impact the mind.  My clients find me not only knowledgeable but playful and compassionate.  I have learned how to work with myself and I delight in helping others learn how to work with their unique selves as well.  I have lived and worked most of my life in multi-ethnic, multi-lingual environments and am very comfortable working with people from different cultures.

                Can you help me with speech writing such as for a Ted Talk?

                Yes!  While I enjoy deep, exploratory learning processes with clients, creating a specific speech and coaching how to deliver it impactfully is one of my favorite things to do.  Sometimes it’s wonderful to have a finite goal – we learn a great deal when we prepare for a specific performance or event.

                Do I have to sign up for one of your programs to work with you?

                No, you can choose the A la Carte option and start with a package of 4 sessions.  After that, you can purchase sessions as and when you need them, for the most part.  Coaching is customizable.  Just let me know what you’re looking for.

                Who are your typical clients?

                Team leaders, executives, actors, and entrepreneurs who have to show up to sell their product, launch their brand or services, people preparing for TED Talks.  In terms of professions, the field is wide.  I’ve worked with people in the armed forces, clinicians, academics, researchers, engineers and software developers and more.  Over half the people I’ve worked with are of different ethnicity than myself and often speak English as a second language.  The thing that all my clients have in common is a determination to transform obstacles they are experiencing and a sense that it could be exciting to succeed.

                How much do you charge for your One-on-One offerings?

                My hourly coaching rate starts at $250 hour –  discounts are often available for coaching packages

                My programs range from $900 – $2500 for individuals depending on the offering

                I notify my email list whenever there are any discounts.  Put your name and email in the form below if you’d like to be on my list!

                 

                How do I get started?

                Book a right fit call available from the menu bar on every page – see above.  This is a free consult and if it isn’t a good match on either side, not to worry.  You will come away with a clearer sense of what you’re working with and what kind of support you need.  I am not able to work with everyone who consults with me, but sometimes I can refer you on to a great resource.

                Do you take payment plans?

                Yes!  This is something we can discuss.  A number of payment structures are available.

                Why should I sign up for a consult?

                This is the best way to find out if I am a good fit for you.  Not only that, but I will help to diagnose what your needs are and what to focus on to start changing the situation.  If for any reason we are not a good fit, I can suggest your next step.