Julie Riga
CEO & Executive Business & Leadership Coach, and MBA
Stay on Course
New Jersey
Your voice is one of the most powerful tools you have as a business owner, leader, or entrepreneur. However, its importance is often underestimated. Whether you’re speaking to a coworker, in a coaching session, introducing yourself at a networking event, or leading a presentation, the way you present yourself and communicate can leave a lasting impression that fuels your business growth. Let’s explore how to harness your voice, presence, and storytelling to build stronger connections, increase influence, and accelerate your success.
The Power of a One-Liner Introduction
The first few moments of meeting someone in a professional setting are crucial. You may only have a few seconds to make a lasting impression. This is where crafting a strong “one-liner” introduction becomes essential. A concise, confident introduction helps others quickly understand who you are and what you offer.
Your one-liner should be adaptable to different situations. Whether you’re on an elevator, at a networking event, or presenting to potential clients, it’s helpful to have multiple versions of your introduction ready. A 30-second, two-minute, and even five-minute version allows you to adjust based on the time available and the context of the conversation.
But here’s the secret: Your introduction should evolve. Just like your business grows, so should the way you present yourself. The more you practice, the more clarity you’ll gain about what resonates with others. Don’t be afraid to tweak it as you go. A great introduction is dynamic and can be refined over time to better reflect who you are and what your business offers.
Finding Your Authentic Voice
One of the most important aspects of accelerating your business is finding your authentic voice. Many entrepreneurs and business leaders struggle with showing up authentically, often because they haven’t fully discovered their true voice. This lack of self-awareness can hold you back from fully stepping into your potential.
Your voice isn’t just the sound that comes out when you speak. It’s the embodiment of your values, purpose, and passion. When you speak from a place of alignment with your values and purpose, you’ll naturally project more confidence and authority. You become more compelling because your words come from a place of authenticity.
Discovering your voice requires self-reflection and personal growth. Ask yourself: What do you stand for? What drives your passion? What unique perspective do you bring to your business and industry? By answering these questions, you can begin to shape a voice that is true to who you are and resonates deeply with your audience.
Voice Mastery: Tone, Pace, and Articulation
How you speak is just as important as what you say. A strong, clear voice is a critical component of presence. Your tone, pace, and articulation all affect how others perceive you. Speaking too quickly or too softly can undermine your message, while a well-modulated voice commands attention and respect.
To improve your vocal presence, practice reducing filler words (such as “um” and “like”) and focus on speaking clearly and at an appropriate pace. Vocal exercises can also help you enhance your resonance and projection, ensuring your voice matches the authority and confidence you want to project. Developing a strong vocal presence doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistent practice, you can master the art of using your voice to influence and inspire others.
The Impact of Storytelling in Business
In today’s business world, storytelling has become a vital tool for entrepreneurs and leaders alike. Sharing your story of origin—the journey on how you started, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the lessons learned along the way—allows others to connect with you on a deeper level. It humanizes your brand and differentiates you from the competition. Whether you’re on a Zoom call, speaking at a conference, or meeting a potential client, a compelling story can help establish trust, highlight your values, and showcase your expertise. People tend to remember stories more than they do facts or figures, so incorporating your journey into your business conversations can make a lasting impact. A great example of storytelling’s power is when someone asks, “Tell me your origin story.” This question offers a unique opportunity to weave both personal and professional elements into your narrative, providing insights into who you are as a person and why your business matters. It’s through these stories that people begin to see not just the services you offer, but the passion and purpose behind them.
Leveraging Humor and Lightheartedness
One often overlooked aspect of communication is humor. People enjoy listening to someone who is lighthearted and relatable. When you can laugh at yourself, share a humorous story, or find ways to make your audience smile, you create a deeper connection. Humor can disarm tension, build rapport, and make you more memorable.
Don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed joke or lighthearted comment to keep your audience engaged. Just make sure it’s appropriate for the situation and always read the room before injecting humor into a conversation.
Your voice is more than just a tool for communication—it’s a powerful asset that can accelerate your business. By mastering how you introduce yourself, incorporating storytelling, fine-tuning your professional presence, and refining your vocal delivery, you create opportunities to build stronger connections, influence decisions, and grow your business. Remember, your voice is unique, and no one else can use it the way you can. Keep refining, practicing, and showing up authentically, and watch as your business success follows.
Julie Rigais acertified ICF coach, trainer, speaker, and authorwithover 20 years of experience in the Pharma Industry. With a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Master's Degree in Business, Julie's expertise lies inleadership, team dynamics, and organizational development.