Leadership requires more than a single type of voice—it requires the ability to adapt your voice to the moment and the message. Simon Sinek, known for his work on purpose-driven leadership, demonstrates this beautifully. Whether he’s speaking with quiet conviction in an intimate interview or delivering an impassioned keynote on stage, his tone shifts to match the message. Sometimes it’s kind and encouraging, other times it’s urgent and thought-provoking. This range is part of what makes his communication so effective—he meets the moment with the voice that most fits.
I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the best in the field. One of my greatest mentors, the late Kenneth Crannell, quite literally wrote the book on Voice and Articulation.. His manuscript was the definitive guide for broadcasting, media, and performance students. It was required reading at Emerson College and used in education programs nationwide.
I studied with Crannell in a graduate class, and what began as a student-professor relationship grew into a friendship that deeply shaped my approach to executive coaching. His teachings continue to influence my voice work with leaders to this day. He understood that communication wasn’t just a technique. It was a craft, rooted in awareness and intention.
Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how leaders benefit from refining their vocal style across different settings:
- Speaking for the actor – to embody emotion and presence
- Speaking for the keynote – to inspire and challenge
- Speaking for the leader – to guide, influence, and connect
- Speaking for broadcasting – to inform with clarity and energy
- Speaking for the media – to engage across platforms and hold attention
Each context requires nuance. Yet the throughline remains the same: know your voice, know your audience, and speak to make a difference.