Susan Heaton-Wright is a former opera singer who works with successful individuals and teams to make an impact with their voices and physical presence. Using her experience in using the voice and performing on stage, she works with people to improve their performances in a range of business situations; from meeting skills and on the telephone, to public speaking, presentations and appearing on the media.
Susan works with multi-national organisations, universities, local authorities and entrepreneurs. She has appeared on BBC2 and local radio and is currently writing a book on the voice.
Susan set up Executive Voice Executive Voice delivers a variety of individual courses, online courses, audio training, workshops and consultancy services. Our clients include directors of multi-national companies, senior civil servants, directors of SMEs, ambitious graduates and managers wishing to make an impression with their voices in business. Susan is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, The Royal Society of Arts and lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and son.
Do you feel nervous before speaking in front of others?
Do you avoid speaking out at meetings?
Do you get frustrated because people ignore you when you speak?
Do you believe you aren’t presenting yourself in the best possible way?
Do you feel this is impacting on your success, profile and career?
It is frustrating when you don’t believe you are being heard or valued: when your opinion is ignored or dismissed. It is irritating when others less talented or experienced DO speak out and get credit for ideas and work. Likewise, if you fail to take up opportunities to represent your company, because you get too nervous to be in the spotlight.
I know exactly how this feels: I was a very quiet teenager who refused to speak in class. I was the girl who tried to disappear when she was awarded a prize in front of the whole school, who was silent during a first Saturday job interview due to nerves, and paid a fellow prefect to lead the assembly when it was her week. Yet I went on to be a professional opera singer, performing as a soloist in front of an audience of more than 3000 – with no microphone or place to hide!
In the last 8 years I have developed a highly respected training practice supporting individuals and teams in making an impact when they speak, with focus and clarity and charisma. I train within organisations’ space, or at studios hired specifically. My clients include multi-national corporates and public sector clients, as well as ambitious individuals who wish to step up, be noticed and be heard.
I train individuals and also teams. The sessions and workshops are practical, with bespoke techniques and unique training systems I have created myself, including:
When I train individuals and teams I use personal experiences, as well as specific knowledge of the voice, body language and presence I have acquired and developed. Using unique training systems, I share secret tips and tricks with speakers, focusing on the voice, body language and development of charisma, whether for public speaking, presentations, meetings, webinars or conference calls. These skills are SO important – in fact JUST as important as the content, to ensure you make an impact when you speak.
I am passionate about enabling individuals and teams to reach their potential, to make an impact and to be valued when they speak, and would be delighted to work with you.