Healthy Mind, Healthy Life

You know your work is excellent. You've earned your seat at the table. So why does your voice tighten the moment you stand to speak in front of senior leadership? This episode is for the high-achiever whose delivery doesn't yet match the level they're stepping into.

Liza Jacob, a speaking coach and audiobook narrator, joins Avik to unpack what's actually happening when capable people sound smaller than they are, and what to do about it. You'll walk away with a clearer understanding of vocal habits versus skill, the role your body plays in your voice, and a simple practice you can use before your next high-stakes presentation.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Liza Jacob is a speaking coach and professional voice actor who came to communication coaching through her work as an audiobook narrator. She helps rising corporate leaders close the gap between how capable they are and how capable they sound, so their delivery matches the level they're genuinely stepping into.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Polished speakers aren't born, they're built. What looks like natural talent is almost always learned, practised, and coachable over time.
• The gap between expertise and delivery isn't a confidence problem alone. Often it's a set of bad vocal habits (uptick, sing-song cadence, "presenter voice") quietly built over years.
• Hearing yourself back is the first real shift. A short recording reveals patterns no amount of mental rehearsal can.
• Your body is your instrument. Posture, breath, shoulder tension, and even mic placement shape how grounded and authoritative you sound.
• Before a high-stakes moment, relax the body first. Loosen shoulders, sit or stand up tall but not tight, and trust your outline instead of over-rehearsing.
• Imagine you're talking to a friend with a cup of tea. The conversational version of you is almost always the one the room actually wants to hear.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST:

Website: https://www.commupgrade.com/  (mentioned in episode) Email: via the contact form on her website

Personal website: https://www.lizajacob.com/ 

EPISODE CHAPTERS:

[00:00] Cold Open: The Quiet Gap High-Achievers Never Talk About

[02:30] Welcome & Why Your Voice Stops Sounding Like You

[06:50] The Real Difference Between a Skill and a Bad Habit

[11:30] Why Capable People Still Get Stuck in "Presenter Voice"

[15:50] The Body Knows Before the Words Do: Posture, Breath & Mic

[20:45] What to Do Right Before You Walk Into the Room

[25:30] How to Connect with Liza & Closing Reflections

 

Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik

Disclaimer: This episode is produced for educational and informational purposes only. All views expressed by the guest are their personal opinions alone and do not represent the views of the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for any guest statements. Nothing in this episode constitutes medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional before making any decisions. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically and independently with all content do not consume blindly. Use this content as a starting point for your own reflection and research, not as a substitute for professional guidance. Third-party content is referenced under fair use for informational purposes only. Guest speakers are solely responsible for their own statements.

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Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it's become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty, storyteller, survivor, and wellness advocate.

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