Who is this aimed at?

Let’s be clear on who this book is for. In my opinion this book is suitable for anyone curious about how vocal delivery can impact their communications, but with very little understanding about how voice works. It gives you a good grounding in the basic principles of voice work. It’s a good introductory book to get you started on the journey! Definitely aimed at the business professional.

Layout
Very easy to read, unlike a lot of voice books! She doesn’t overload the reader with exercises that are impractical and long winded. She steers clear of theatrical language found in these type of books – which can often alienate readers. She has a conversational style and draws a lot from her own experiences with clients – although there are lots of name dropping which might erk some people. 

3 Areas I found useful

There are lots to enjoy about this read – so here are my 3!

1 Breathing Chapter
I found her explanation of passive breathing simple and effective, although there isn’t much detail, it gives a novice enough to work with and practice.
The reference to Elvis is great – in terms of how tension, breath and posture affect the voice.

2 The amazing power of consonants
I thought this section was explained very well, and easy to understand for a novice. There were useful simple explanations on how to grab attention and hold onto it.
I loved the analogy that vowels are like the noodles – all substance and no flavour and consonants are like the sauce – full of flavour and spice.

3 Silence is golden
She asks “what has silence got to do with speaking”
I just liked the fact that she put such emphasis on the power of pause, and silence – it’s something I constantly harp on about in my coaching. I liked the concept of “the art of the power pause – seduced by silence – this is certainly worth reading, understanding and applying, especially when in a sales and negotiating situation

3 Areas I didn’t find useful

1 Speeches that make people listen

I just felt this chapter seemed out of place here for some reason. This book is so focussed on the nuances of vocal speaking skills that to address structuring a presentation in the middle just didn’t fit. She could have allocated a book alone to this.

2 Success appeal at work

Didn’t do it for me – lots of general stuff, I felt it would have been better to stay focused on delivery skills and avoid the theory and observations.

3 Repetition
It felt like there was a lot of repetition throughout the book which was unnecessary as there was a lot more she could have covered. I thought she could have included more useful exercises for the reader to try out instead. It felt like towards the end of the book she was running out ideas to write about.

Overall – hit or miss?

A hit – I believe it is an enjoyable read to introduce voice work. I’ve read many voice books and believe me they can be hard going. so I would recommend it to anyone curious about improving their vocal delivery. It’s not an intimidating read, and aimed at business professionals. It’s a starter block book

Author Patst Rodenburg Rodenburg is an expert in the field, and a leading voice practitioner.   This doesn't take away from the fact that I'm finding it a challenging  read, I'm not complete. Level Experienced presenters, those looking for something different in a presentation/communication/ voice book. Layout As ever, very text heavy, a weighty read – it will take time and patience.

My opinion

In Patsy Rodenburg style, it's heavy on content that' s for sure and can be tough going.   Having read (and admired) her other work – it seems that she repeats a lot throughout all her books,  which I suppose proves the point  – for PRESENCE you can't separate voice from body from energy. For someone with a general interest in developing your understanding of voice/body/presence – if I had to recommend one of her books, I'd go straight to this book as it covers all bases. I'm NOT recommending this book yet.  I'll update this review when I get to the end! Maybe it's useful to watch her in action, to get an idea about the book – the easy way out me thinks…….

Author

Jo Billingham

Level:

This  book is fine for beginners.  It covers all the basics in preparing and delivering a presentation.  It does not go into any great degree of depth.

Layout
It’s easy to read
Laid out in bullet points
Brief pointers and reminders throughout.
It is not text heavy, could be used a reference book to pick up and drop.
Language is simple and it has an easy flow.
There are useful quotes littered throughout the book – some amusing, some thought provoking.

3 Things I found useful

Team presentations (page 98)

This is addressed well in this book.  It is laid out in bullet point format or brief pointers.  When presenting we tend to focus on ourselves and our message, forgetting about the others.  When presenting as part of a team there is always a need for strategy.  This chapter provides concise information and rules that a team of presenters often forget.

Presenters tool kit checklists (pages 122- 133)

This section is very useful to any presenter, beginner or experienced.  Why?
It’s a fast reminder, a tick list reminding us of the basics that we often forget when we are busy preparing or worrying.  More importantly this checklist is very useful for those experienced presenters who have become blasé about presenting.  I have used these checklists on my advanced courses regularly.

Question Time
There is a useful chapter (though brief) on handling questions, handling difficult audience members and how to prepare for question time.  Some good key points.

3 things I didn’t find useful

It lacks depth in all chapters.  It seems to skim the surface. It is useful but definitely not for experienced presenters.  If you are looking for something different in a presentation skills books this read doesn’t really offer it.
It’s a “bog standard” book – nothing really new, felt it lacked creativity.

It’s a little old fashioned in certain chapters eg comments on wardrobe, chapters on visual aids.

Didn’t include a chapter on language.

Summary

Beginners – worth a read
Experienced – don’t bother

Authors:

Richcard Pain

Phil Hailstone

Level

If you are even a little curious about developing your strongest tool for communication  – your VOICE, then I would recommend this little pocket book as a good starter.

This book will give you a better understanding of the voice, how it works and more importantly how you can improve it.  It covers the basics and may whet your appetite to learn more.

Layout

Voice books, in general can be hard going, but this is a nice little reference book you can stick in your bag or back pocket and read at your leisure or on the go.  There are plenty of useful user-friendly exercises that will start you a very interesting journey of you own voice.

3 things I like  about this book

• User friendly exercises
• Easy to read and apply the techniques
• Gives a very good basic understanding

3 things I don’t like about this book

can’t really think of any!

Well, honestly, I think they are sometimes!

They can be a tough read for a non-voice professional because of the practical nature of the content and I say that with my professional voice hat on!

You buy them with great intentions, they seem easy to read and interesting in the shop and when you get home they find their way to a shelf where they gather dust.

It’s nice to come across a useful, very easily read reference book on voice and presentation skills

I really liked the simplicity of this book , and how easy it was to read, understand and apply.

It combines the use of voice skills and presentations skills very well, something that can be quite rare to find.

This book gives the reader a clear understanding of how to work on your “vocal character” giving the reader simple exercises and ideas.

It’s a book you will read in no time, but will refer to time and time as a quick reference.

Her section on presentations are also useful and hit all the key areas.

I liked how she brought it all together – voice, body, language and performance.

I liked it and think you will