Insights from vocal empowerment expert, Brienne Hennessy, M.A., former speech & voice pathologist

Purposeful presence isn’t just how you look or the room you walk into; it’s how you sound when you’re in it. And according to Brienne Hennessy, founder of Your Vocal Vitality, most leaders are overlooking one of their most powerful instruments: their voice.

I sat down with Brienne to explore what she calls “vocal vitality.” What she shared struck a chord, especially for those of us in leadership roles, whether in the boardroom, battlefield, or on a stage.

“Your voice is vital; it’s your leadership instrument,” Brienne told me. “It deserves training, maintenance, and yes, even warm-ups.”

Your Voice Is Your Presence

We often talk about executive presence like it’s something abstract — posture, tone, polish. Brienne cuts through that fog with clarity: “People cultivate presence, but they don’t always include their voice. Yet the voice is the most immediate signal of who we are and how we lead.”

A flat, raspy, or monotone voice doesn’t just undermine your message; it weakens your influence. “People will literally tune out,” she said. “If there’s no emphasis, no modulation, they’ll stop listening. And worse, they’ll stop trusting.”

Leadership Myths That Harm Your Voice

One of the most powerful stories Brienne shared was about a Fortune 175 executive, a former nurse turned entrepreneur, who came to her saying, “I don’t want to sound dull anymore.”

The real issue wasn’t just technique. “She believed she had to sound a certain way to be taken seriously — lower, more serious, more ‘leader-like.’ But that wasn’t authentic to her. And it wore her out — mentally and physically.”

Brienne warns against mimicking others or faking vocal inflection. “Fake it till you make it” is a dangerous mantra when applied to your vocal cords.

“We want to be playful with the instrument,” she said, “but not inauthentic. Your voice needs to match you, not some box others force you into.”

Why Misuse Hurts (Literally)

Brienne spent over a decade in voice clinics working with people who had worn out their voices, some to the point of requiring surgery. Stress, poor posture, shallow breathing, and vocal overuse are all common culprits. “Your voice is resilient,” Brienne said, “but it’s not invincible.”

You wouldn’t run a marathon on a sprained ankle. Why would you lead a 3-day offsite or deliver a keynote with a strained voice?

Simple Steps for Building Vocal Endurance

Like any elite performer, leaders must care for their instrument. Here are four Brienne-approved strategies:

1. Hydrate (Consistently, Not Just Before a Talk): “Water takes 24–48 hours to hydrate your body, including the mouth, nose, and throat,” she explained. “A hydration surge the day of your speech won’t cut it.”
   
2. Lubricate with Steam and Citrus: “Dry environments: planes, air-conditioned offices, take a toll. Use steamy showers, a personal nebulizer, or even lemon water to activate your salivary glands.”
   
3. Warm Up Before You Speak: You wouldn’t deadlift without stretching. The same goes for your voice. “Humming, lip trills, gentle pitch gliding exercises: they make a difference, improve clarity and reduce vocal fatigue.”
   
4. Manage Your Vocal Load: “Track how much you’re talking each day on Zoom, with your team, at home, in noisy environments. Spread things out when possible. Plan voice rest like you would muscle recovery and use simple, gentle vocalizations as a ‘cool-down’ after extended periods of speaking.”
   

“Leaders are vocal athletes,” Brienne reminded me. “Your livelihood depends on how you communicate.”

Final Word: Proactive Beats Reactive

Most of us don’t think about our voice until it’s hoarse, tired, or gone. That’s a mistake. Vocal strain costs leaders more than they realize: team buy-in, client confidence, and their own credibility.

“You’re not broken,” Brienne said. “You just haven’t tuned your instrument.”

Her reminder was spot-on. I’ve strained my voice at events, powered through speeches with a sore throat, and felt the effects of nonstop meetings. Voice fatigue undermined my ability to communicate. 

Turns out, it’s avoidable.

Want to Hear More From Brienne or Schedule a Free Voice Check-in?

Visit her website.

Download these Top 10 Tips for Vocal Care.

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Take care of your voice; your team, your audience, and your future self will thank you.