A good interview voice

This is an edited summary of Talking Tips interview with Tim Noonan, who runs a Sydney-based voice communications company called Visionary Communications.

What does it mean to have a good voice when being interviewed for a job?

There are various schools of thought about what a good voice is. The one I think is key is to have a real, natural, authentic voice rather than an artificial, over-articulated voice. If you have a natural, comfortable and authentic voice, so long as you have the other attributes for the job, you will make a difference in making a lasting impression at interview.

How do you get such a voice?

We need to release the restrictions we put on our voice. Much of our emotional expressiveness in our voice is lost as we get older. When we lose this from our voice people know our thoughts but not how we feel. When we have emotional expressiveness it helps us to relate to people, to build trust, because they sense what we feel, and that we hold similar values.

Breathing and taking time are important. We don’t have to fill in all the gaps and rush into answers. When asked a question, pause, take a breath so the oxygen feeds the brain and relaxes the muscles around the chest and throat.

Warm up the voice by singing along to your favourite music beforehand. This helps release the voice so it is not locked up and stressed.

Let your voice reflect who you are and give a sense of self. For example, if you think of yourself as a compassionate, understanding person, discover what the vocal attributes are that are associated with such a person. Find people who have these qualities, and increase your vocal understanding of how they are using their voices. Pay conscious attention to their voice.

We want to gain more musicality in our voices. That does not mean being sing-song, and over-articulated, but having flow.

Avoid the rising question at the end of sentences. This sends uncertainty which you don’t want in an interview. Finish sentences clearer, sharper, finished off with a downward inflection.

Create spaces between phrases and points. Take a breath and allow time for the interviewer to process what you have said so the person can feel where you are coming from. This moves the comments from a cerebral process to an interpersonal process. Given the number of applicants these days, the person who is perceived as personable, warm, natural, and authentic will likely get the job, so long as they have the other requirements.

Contact details for Tim Noonan: www.visionarycommunications.com.au, phone 0419 779 669.

Dr Ann Villiers, learning guide, professional speaker and author, is Australia's only Mental Nutritionist® specialising in mind and language practices that help people build flexible thinking, confident speaking and quality connections with people. Visit www.mentalnutrition.com to learn more about Mental Nutrition. Visit www.selectioncriteria.com.au for free resources unlocking the mysteries of public service jobs.