A few minutes of tongue twisters and the equivalent of scales on the piano for your voice will

• Raise your energy level
• Loosen up your throat and jaw
• Correct your posture out of a slouch

People talk about breathwork to re-claim focus but I find vocalizing to be more effective. I like to putter around making tea, stretching my upper body and doing a bit of vocalizing. The idea is to get the mumbling and stumbling around for words out of my system before speaking with another human being.

When it’s especially important:

• Before your first call in the morning
• After a few hours of not talking (ex. writing)
• Before a presentation

Try a bunch, find a few favorites.

Think back to your past drama school or singing lessons, or hop onto YouTube for inspiration. If you speak multiple languages, have fun with that, too.

Start your next call, all warmed up.