Christine Clapp, Founder & President of Spoken with Authority, shares how Microsoft Presenter Coach (a.k.a. Microsoft Speaker Coach) is a useful public speaking AI tool on the market. It saves the presenter time when practicing because it analyzes and provides a summary with accurate and real-time feedback that includes: your speaking rate and time, your use of filler words and repetitive language, and vocal intensity and variations to name a few (and you are likely to already have it on your computer if you have MS PowerPoint and a Microsoft 365 subscription!) So, if you aren't already using Microsoft Presenter Coach, now is the time to try it!

Spoken with Authority Coach & Facilitator Robert Gordon discusses and demonstrates how the “sing-song” voice can often make a speaker appear to have a lack of confidence. A “sing-song” voice can be avoided by starting your phrase or sentence on a high pitch, then gradually “cascade” down in pitch in stages (as if going down a staircase). Then, just before the end of the phrase or sentence, slightly raise your pitch, briefly pause, and then end on a low pitch, thus giving an auditory signal to your audience that you have completed your phrase. This intonation pattern gives your voice a musical quality and people will generally enjoy listening to the sound of your voice due to how you compose the tone and rhythm. It also gives your voice an authoritative aura to convey confidence and assurance which helps reduce objections to your message or questions about it.

When speaking or delivering a formal presentation, "reading the room" with nonverbal behaviors is an unreliable way to gauge how an audience feels about what you're saying. Instead, this article provides practical guidance on how to collect more trustworthy feedback from listeners to bolster your confidence and improve communication outcomes.

Preparing for a podcast interview? Here are expert tips from Spoken with Authority Lynne Adrine, who boasts 30 years of experience in broadcast journalism and 12 years as the director of a graduate program for the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. Whether you’re a podcast guest or a podcast host, these tips are sure to help you make the most of your next podcast interview.

Just like training for and running in a marathon, being comfortable with being uncomfortable is required to be a great public speaker. Spoken with Authority Founder & President Christine Clapp shares what every aspiring great public speaker needs to accept and practice to become a confident and comfortable public speaker.

Spoken with Authority colleague David Henderson, Esq. shares advice on communicating with clients in tricky speaking situations that can be awkward or uncomfortable. Often these situations can be to pivot a client from a bad idea or if you feel your credibility is being undermined by saying, “I don’t know.”

Spoken with Authority colleague Lynne Adrine shares sage advice for professionals who are receiving media interview requests. She provides advice and best practices for before, during, and after the interview.

Spoken with Authority coaching engagements typically start with a 360-degree assessment. Our proprietary 360-degree feedback tool surveys at least 5 collaborators per participant via an online questionnaire, aggregates and anonymizes data, and compiles feedback into a detailed 360-Degree Evaluation Report that focuses on a range of oral-communication competencies. The 360 Report, along with a self-assessment and coach's assessment, is used to set unique goals for each coaching participant and guide their coaching engagement.

At Spoken with Authority, we have been exploring Virtual Reality since 2021. VR provides a more lifelike experience than Zoom for virtual coaching sessions and simulations of speaking situations – from formal speeches and panel presentations delivered on a stage to difficult conversations in an office and oral advocacy in a courtroom. VR can reduce nervousness, improve communication skills, promote the inclusion of people in marginalized groups, and can reduce travel and related environmental impacts.

Spoken with Authority celebrates its 15th Anniversary. Founder and President Christine Clapp shares four key lessons from 15 years in business in the experience that made her passionate about helping others unlock their full potential through improved oral communication skills.

Transitions should be a NATURAL bridge—no engineering required.

Have you noticed speakers saying, “With that…” to complete one thought before moving to something new? “With that, we’ll look at future earnings….” “With that, the next step is….” We know we shouldn’t jump from one point to another, and this phrasing is a sign that we haven’t hammered out the relationships among our arguments or the different segments of our presentation.

Understanding the 15 types of cognitive distortions, that all communicators should be aware of in themselves and others, can help speakers develop self-awareness, higher emotional intelligence, and a more objective position. As a result, they can better manage self-sabotaging dialogue, feel more confident, convey executive presence, and achieve better communication outcomes.

Spoken with Authority’s Lynne Adrine had a conversation with Joe Cipriano, The Voice of America’s Most Watched TV Networks and Shows, where he discusses finding your voice and shares insights from voice over work that will transform your daily communication outcomes at work and in life.

How to - and reasons why - you should incorporate at least one break into your presentation to maintain your vocal quality, stay energized, and increase engagement with your audience.

Speakers often ask us how to get rid of their nervousness. The truth is your nervousness will never go away, but with consistent practice and experience, it will get easier to manage. Check out this advice from our coach and facilitator David Henderson, Esq.

Conversations and meetings often go off track and off topic. Our expert coaches and facilitators share their best tips for those facilitating and moderating for how you respond in the moment to get the conversation back on track.

Public speakers are often unsure of what to do with their feet and hands when they don’t have a lectern or a table on stage. Here are tips to maximize the space on stage and maximize impact with your audience so you enhance the presentation by supplementing the message you are delivering verbally.

Whether running or public speaking, one behavior change can have a ripple of positive effects. Whether it’s a physical therapist, or a presentation skills and communication coach, an expert will give you concrete, actionable, and achievable advice that produces tangible results in less time with more successful outcomes.

Tips, insight, and advice to elevate your presence in media interviews and podcasts. What to consider when you've been asked, how to prepare, common mistakes to avoid, and what to do in the moment.

Have you ever responded to others in uncharacteristically snarky ways, or been told you’re overly sensitive or too defensive? These strategies help you maintain your sense of self, model strength, and forge collaborative relationships so you can defend yourself and others from a place of strength and calm.