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Bill Lampton Ph.D.
Hi there, welcome to the biz communication show. I’m your host Bill Lampton the biz communication guy, once again, hosting a guest who will bring us communication tips and strategies that are sure to boost our business because they give us winning words and ways. The guest that I’m hosting today is someone I met when I taught the business writing class for the Georgia Department of Labor a dozen years ago, and if any of you have done teaching, you know, that always and a class, if you’re fortunate, there is one person who just stands out because of their interest, their participation, their talent, their dedication to learning. That’s the one that I’m hosting today. And I’m referring to Linda Hensel, from Stockbridge, Georgia. Linda is a communications expert with over 20 years of facilitation and voice over experience in the public and private sector. She serves as the voice of Georgia, and we’ll be talking about that in a minute. Linda facilitates leadership development sessions for Fresenius medical care, a global dialysis company. She’s a certified speaker, teacher, Coach and Trainer with the John Maxwell team. She is also a certified Franklin Covey facilitator for the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. That tells us that Linda has done what we all need to do. She has continued her education, continued learning. She’s a facilitator for courses such as crucial conversations, and leading with values. On the personal side. Linda is married with two daughters and she’s proud to serve in the ministry as an ordained minister, Linda Hensel Hello, and welcome to the best communication show.
Linda Hensel
Hello, Dr. Bill, it’s a pleasure to be with you on the show today.
Bill Lampton Ph.D.
Good to have my star student with me. And I mentioned at the outset that you are known as rightly so as the voice of Georgia Tell us how that happened? And also, what does that involve? What do you do?
Linda Hensel
exciting about it. And you know, it’s been goodness, almost 15 years now. But I worked with the Georgia Department of Labor. And then I also worked for the Governor’s Office of customer service. And while at the Department of Labor, I provided voiceover services for the Oliver system where you could apply for unemployment benefits online and virtually. And so from there, once I started at the governor’s office, they were aware that I provided voiceover services. And so I started at with one recording, and one recording turned into another. And I started volunteering my skills, providing voiceover services for the different state agencies. And it just turned into one opportunity after the next and so I had facilitated I had provided voiceovers for so many state agencies that I became known as the voice of Georgia. Agencies from Secretary of State’s office, the governor’s office, the Department of Corrections, and even Kennesaw State University. And then the 100, Georgia information line for state services.
Bill Lampton Ph.D.
Did you have any speech coaching in a courses at Mercer University? What kind of training prepared you to do that?
Linda Hensel
Well, I had a voice coach, Susan Berkeley from New York, who was at the time the voice of AT and T, she served as my voice coach. And so most of my training was through her and, you know, teaching us how to be able to obtain clients independently, rather than having to go through having an agent. And so I did a lot of the work on my own, and really just honing in on my skills and being able to seek out opportunities for voiceovers for small All businesses, and then fortunately turned into the different state agencies.
Bill Lampton Ph.D.
That’s, that’s very exciting. And so practically any state organization, I call I’m going to hear on a voiceover recording
Linda Hensel
A majority of them and majority of them. And the goal was to be able to have the same seamless sound across the state agencies. So if you called Secretary of State, if you call Department of Corrections, that you would hear that same familiar voice. And so we were one of the first states to be able to have that effort where it was the same seamless sound.
Bill Lampton Ph.D.
I’ve forgotten to go back to something earlier in your career, I found out that you had been in the Miss Georgia contest. And so I would like to know and I know our viewers, and our listeners would like to know, what communication skills did you learn that helped you win a spot and to the Miss Georgia contest? And how did you do that?
Linda Hensel
Ah, I see. You’ve been doing some digging around there. Dr. Bill.
Bill Lampton Ph.D.
My research,
Linda Hensel
Your research you in you know, I served as Miss Macon. I was proud to be the Miss Macon in the Miss Macon pageant. And, you know, the pageants. There are beauty pageants and their scholarship pageants. And I always enjoy participating in scholarship pageants, and they teach you valuable lessons. And as a result of being Miss Macon, I was able to participate in the Miss Georgia pageant, and participating in pageants, they not only require that you think quick on your feet, but you also have to be aware of current events. And so you have to be knowledgeable, and understanding what’s going on around you. And particularly when you have the interview portion, the onstage interview portion, you don’t have a lot of time to be able to express your thoughts and your responses to those questions. You have no idea what question you’re going to be asked. And so you have to be prepared, you have to be ready. And those are skills that I use even now is you know, when you’re in a meeting, being able to think quickly, being able to process. And so I think in business is very important that you’re able to think through, and you’re able to deliver your response, but in a concise and clear manner. And I think those pageants, in addition to teaching you to be quick on your feet, and to be able to think and process. It also gives you a sense of confidence, it helps to build that confidence, because you are you are very vulnerable, because you’re on stage in front of hundreds, or hundreds of people or more. And so you want to be able to come out and make the absolute best impression possible. First impressions are important. And when you’re in those pageants, you are coming across a stage, and they are forming opinions. And you know, we know that even in business, that within the first three seconds of meeting someone, we form an opinion of them, whether that’s good, whether that’s bad, it only takes three seconds. And so in those pageants, you have a short period of time to come a cop to come across as polished, and poised. And so those are some very important skills that you can carry throughout your career, throughout relationships is making sure that you are poise, that you are polished. And that when you are delivering verbally, that you’re able to be concise and with express yourself in a clear manner.
Bill Lampton Ph.D.
When you’re talking about you were being asked about current events, I think any of us could go on YouTube and probably still find some of the worst examples of pageant contestants who were asked a question and they just rambled all over the place. Trying to cover the fact that they had no idea what was being asked and I think it’s an an important measure of a pageant candidate to to know what’s going on in the world not not just to make a fine appearance and in your case as I as I remember you had even singing talent Yet you need to show that that you are a citizen of the world as well. Something else I, I would like to bounce off of what you said, Linda, and that is that it what you went through is great preparation for later you emphasize that. And it’s true. If if you can go through that you mentioned being on stage in front of hundreds of people, I’m sure you were on television as well. If you can go through that, then later on, when you start your career, you get into job interviews, or you you get into situations where you’re, you’re presenting a proposal that you want somebody to accept. It’s not exactly what we would call a kickin putt and golf. But it’s much easier because you have been under a very pressurized situation.
Linda Hensel
Absolutely. And you know, you the more you practice, the better you become. And that was just it was great practice ground, being able to build your level of confidence, being able to speak in front of large audiences, you know, I’m sure you’re aware, you know, public speaking is the number one fear in the world. People fear public speaking over death, it’s hard to imagine. But it’s frightening the notion of standing in front of people and having to actually speak in front of them. And so being in those pageants, helps you to be able to get comfortable with that. And those are skills that you will use for the rest of your life and in business is leading meetings, being able to facilitate sessions, and just having conversations, being able to come across and express yourself clearly. Those things were learned in those pageants.
Bill Lampton Ph.D.
Not only clearly but confidently, as you say. And this has been a topic that I’ve worked with for a long time stage fright, I’ll have to admit that when I was a student, both in high school, college, even in graduate level, there were many times that I sat in the back of the classroom, and hope that the prof wouldn’t call on me. It was only later at Lynda, when I became a professional speaker. It was only later that I realized that they could see everybody in the audience, no matter where they sat, they would see that student with the head on the desk catching a nap. So but But early on, and probably through some of my professional career. I did not speak up as often as I should, and not to make a plug. But that’s why I wrote a very brief book 25 ways to control your stage fright, and become a highly confident speaker. It’s a very brief book on Amazon. And it gives the tips that I work with, with clients on one on one of the points that you made. You talked about practice. I would I would imagine that when you were participating in the pageant, I would think you probably had a coach, did you?
Linda Hensel
Yes, yes, yeah. And there were several coaches that would work with us individually, to help prep us for the interview portion. But even to help us when it comes to walking on the stage to make sure that we were able to walk smoothly and pleasantly across the stage. And so there were different coaches that worked with us individually, just to help us in our confidence level, but definitely drilling us when it came to questions, asking various questions, just to help as a part of that preparation. Depending on what was going on in the world at that time. They would take us through drills of different interview questions that potentially could be asked.
Bill Lampton Ph.D.
That leads me to comment on your saying, practice is important. I heard many years ago that some people say practice makes perfect, but I heard something which is more accurate and that is it. Practice makes permanent. So for example, I was a golfer for many years starting at age 13. I don’t think anybody ever practiced at the game any more than I did. But sometimes I was just practicing my mistakes. I started to improve when I would hire a professional to watch me for 30 minutes and to say here’s what you you need to do better. So that’s why coaches are important. in anything we do. Let it be We’re going to be back in a few seconds and talk some more about the voice, which is your specialty. You’ve mastered it. And I know you’ll have some great advice for us. Do you
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wish you felt competent about giving speeches? Do you want to deal with difficult people constructively? And what about becoming more persuasive and sales, then keep listening now to Dr. Bill Lampton, he spent 20 years in management, so he knows the communication skills you need for success. I urge you to call the biz communication guide today for a no cost. But very valuable 30 minute discussion about your communication challenges. Call now. 678-316-4300. Again, that’s 678-316-4300.
Bill Lampton Ph.D.
Speaking of coaching, imagine that somebody hires you, Linda, they’re an executive, they they’re aware of, of your vocal excellence, not only as, as a former contestant in the Miss Georgia can test but anyone who talks to you knows that you have you have mastered this instrument, I often make the statement that your voice is you. I mean, you talked a few minutes ago about first impressions and how in three seconds, will have an impression of someone. Much of that depends on the voice. And I know that all of us have had the experience of talking with somebody on the phone before we met them. And we get, we get a picture. Sometimes when we make them, that picture is reinforced, it’s it matches what we expected. And at other times, it is so radically different. And with the voice being so important in those first three seconds, and as you said earlier, not just for professional speakers, but for executives who are going to lead board meetings, department meetings, planning sessions, probably speak for their civic clubs speaking there, their professional conferences. So let’s say I come to you, Linda, okay, I need your advice. How can I have How can I an executive become a more effective? And confident speaker? What would you say?
Linda Hensel
You know, it’s a great question. Because there are so many different factors that can go into being prepared. Not only the content, I think if you understand and have a thorough understanding of what it is that you’re presenting, it’s going to help your level of confidence, you know, if you are uncertain about what it is that you’re actually presenting, you’re going to not feel as confident. And so knowing what it is that you’re delivering. And then from there, thinking about your enunciation, how are you presenting this information? practicing it? Are you looking at your audience? Even if it’s virtual? Are you giving eye contact? Or are you looking down? Are you looking around, you want to make sure that you have great eye contact, all of that goes into the presence, the physical presence. And so in addition to being aware of, you know, Am I dressed professionally, am I giving eye contact your voice, practicing, utilizing your voice, your voice is a powerful instrument. And so it requires being able to practice it. And that is reading whatever it is that you’re delivering reading it several times, making sure that you are enunciating properly, and just even varying your voice tone, varying your tone makes a world of difference. Because if you discover that you have a monotone voice, making sure that you vary your voice tones. And so if I’m presenting to an executive or if I’m coaching and executive, those are some things to consider is appearance, how am I dressed? Am I giving eye contact? And what does my voice sound like? Have I practiced Am I knowledgeable of what it is that I’m delivering? So it’s it’s several things that go into that executive presence?
Bill Lampton Ph.D.
Gosh, did that come in? Bring back a memory for me. I was a graduate student at Ohio University. That’s where I got my MA and PhD degrees. In communication, I the first class I taught as a graduate student. At the end of the class, of course, the students gave written evaluations. And I even today, I can remember the pain I felt when one student wrote, I enjoyed your class, but you are something of a monotone. Oh, golly, did that get me working? Linda? Very much. So, here’s a comparison I made recently. And I’m sure it’s one that you’ve probably thought about. I asked the question. Have you ever played Chopsticks on the piano? Well, yes. Or have you ever heard chopsticks? On the piano? Yes. Well, you’re familiar with that? Would you play it over and over? Or would you like to hear it over? And over? Naturally? They say, No. Why wouldn’t you? Because there’s only using a few of the keys. What about the 88 keys that that we have access to, which would give variety and tone and lift? And, Jeff? And I think it’s a it’s an adequate comparison for?
Linda Hensel
Yes. I agree in that there are so many factors to take into consideration. It’s not just one thing. But it’s when you put all of those things together that you have that presents, you know, are you demonstrating confidence? Are you speaking as if you know what you’re talking about? You know, we can tell when someone is nervous, we can tell if they don’t really know their content. And so those things come across in your delivery. And so it’s exactly what you said, it’s a complete package of the delivery, the voice tone, and confidence in what it is that you’re presenting.
Bill Lampton Ph.D.
You do a good bit of leadership and training. Now, as we mentioned in the introduction, tell us please, what part of your leadership training includes communication skills?
Linda Hensel
Absolutely, all of it. All of it includes communication skills, I have the privilege and just the absolute pleasure to facilitate leadership development skills. And a part of the curriculum that we deliver includes Crucial Conversations, which is a dynamic course, on how to have those difficult conversations. Whenever we have a conversation that we may not want to have with an employee or even with a leader. Sometimes it’s something that we’ll just put off, because we know it can lead to drama, and who likes drama. But those conversations, if you establish your intent, if you are careful in how you say what it is that you’re saying, you can have those crucial conversations. And so that’s one of my favorites is delivering crucial conversations, we also facilitate a session called leading with values, which is an amazing course, because it talks about the power of asset based thinking versus deficit based thinking and that, you know, as humans, it’s easy to focus on problems, what’s not working, what we what resources we don’t have. But when you take an asset based perspective, now you’re thinking about what are the possibilities? What are the synergies what are what is working well? And when you take an asset based perspective, it’s all about how am I thinking? How am I What’s my approach, and if you can catch you, it’s easy to catch when someone is in deficit base, because there’s a lot of negativity out there today. And being able to invite others out of deficit based thinking into Asset Based Thinking. That’s one of my favorite courses to facilitate because you’re helping people to make it applicable. And to be able to see just how come negative that, you know, we really we really are, and we really can be, but we have to be intentional. And so when we are intentional, we think about the words that we use. There are disempowering words and there are empowering words and, you know, words can make or break you. And so we have to be aware of the words that we choose to use, and just exactly what we’re talking about here. Words are powerful and when we are intentional about using empowering words It only enhances that communication.
Bill Lampton Ph.D.
I tell you what, you were my student once I sure as heck would like to be your student.
Linda Hensel
Thank you for that.
Bill Lampton Ph.D.
I know that they are very fortunate. Linda Hansel and his been wonderful hosting you on the best communication Show Time flies. There’s much more for us to talk about, which means that you’re going to get an invitation to be a returning guest sometime love
Linda Hensel
to would love to. Absolutely.
Bill Lampton Ph.D.
And so I know that our viewers, and our podcast listeners will want to get in touch with you because you’re such a valuable resource. So please give us your contact information.
Linda Hensel
Absolutely. I can be reached by email. I’m actually Adam Hills voice. Add Neil’s voice@yahoo.com is probably the best way to reach out to me. Always available for questions, speaking engagements, and of course voiceover opportunities. Absolutely.
Bill Lampton Ph.D.
Tell us please how to spell that. Add nails. Yes,
Linda Hensel
a D in ILSVO. Ice, add nails voice. That is Linda spelled backwards. Linda’s voice is.
Bill Lampton Ph.D.
Very good. I think that’s the only thing you do backwards. You’re constantly moving forward. Yes, Linda, since you’ve given your contact information, I’m happy to share mine. My YouTube channel I invite you to go to my YouTube channel. I’ve been posting instructional videos there. I noticed the other day there are 440 instructional videos. Many of them are solo productions. But over the last few years, I’ve had the privilege of hosting the business communication show. So you will find guests top quality guests, as you can tell from Linda Hensel. And those conversations will help you with your business communication, no doubt about it. So while you’re on my YouTube channel, be sure to subscribe there. My website since I’m the Business Communication guy, logically, my website is biz BZ biz communication guy.com. And when you go to my website, notice, please, that if you haven’t already done so you can subscribe to my podcast there. After you’ve reviewed my services for corporations and leaders, I certainly invite you to give me a phone call no obligation initially just to explore your communication challenges and problems and how I can assist you with them. Linda, would you please think about is there any closing thoughts you have that could pull this all together for us?
Linda Hensel
You know, first impressions really do matter. And thinking about your voice? How are you projecting? I think first impressions if we remember that. I think that will take us a long way when it comes to delivery. And how are we coming across but those that we are trying to reach first impressions.
Bill Lampton Ph.D.
Many years ago, many years ago I heard. In fact it was when I started my professional career, somebody said you never get a second chance to make a first impression. That’s right. And the tips and strategies that you have given us will be very helpful on that. Thanks again so much to our terrific guest, Linda Hensel. Thanks to those of you who joined us on video and on the podcast. I’m Bill Lampton PhD, the biz communication guy, inviting you to join us for the next version as well of the biz communication show
Transcribed by https://otter.ai
