06/18/2025

You Cannot You Control The Economy

However, you can control the room

Senior executives frequently encounter high-stakes communication scenarios—earnings calls, media interviews, board presentations and company-wide meetings. Yet, even at the highest levels, preparation often involves generic advice like "don't up-speak," "slow down" or "sound more confident." While well-intentioned, such guidance typically leads to self-conscious delivery rather than measurable improvement.

The core issue is that most coaching addresses the symptoms of ineffective communication rather than the underlying habits. In my work with Fortune 500 executives, presidential candidates and high-growth founders, I’ve found that sustainable improvement requires a shift from superficial fixes to a deeper understanding of how leaders use their voice—and why it matters.

To strengthen vocal presence, we need to move beyond vague guidance and examine its components with greater precision. One critical element is vocal variety. Below, I outline tools to help you recognize effective use of vocal variety and share targeted exercises to enhance your own performance.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Chief Executive.