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BOOK REVIEWS Amazon.com
Reviewer : Joesph Deway (South Jordan, UT
 One of the best books I've ever read, March 26, 2005 I took about two years to read this book. I read the first 50 pages about two pages at a time, and I read the last 3/4 of this book in the last week.
The first 50 pages are amazing. If you take the time and do all of the exercises that she recommends, it will take a while to fully practice all of the stuff that she says, but it is well worth it.
I've heard a lot about diaphragm breathing, but Renee did a better job than anyone else on talking about the subject.
I also really liked her exercise of recording your voice, and listing out three positives and three negatives about your voice. This is a very cool exercise, because it forces you to be objective about your voice.
What she says about the power of consonants is revolutionary, and has really changed the way that I speak. So much on speaking and music is vowel-centric, and she explains that, too.
I also really liked how she explained the musical undertone of everyday speech. I've heard of the concept before, but she explained it better than anyone else.
The last 150 pages are good, too, but they don't have practice exercises like the first 50, so you can read through them very fast.
And, as a final note, I think that Renee Grant-Williams is the James Bond of our day. Have you ever noticed that James Bond does everything and knows everything? When did he get the time to learn Afrikaans I sometimes wonder?
The same thing with Renee Grant-Williams-she has done everything. She's an accomplished musician, she does voice training, she's toured with different bands, she did sales for recording companies, she's an amateur homeopath, she's a pet adoption advocate, and I'm sure she's also battled an evil henchman called "Jaws" on a moon base.
Anyway, thanks Renee for a great, life-changing book.
Finally a chance to strengthen my voice, August 28, 2002
Reviewer: Susan d. Rodiek (Byran, TX United States)
I was amazed at how much deeper and stronger my voice sounded, after trying this approach for only a few minutes! I have always had a soft voice, and often had trouble projecting over the background noise in the architecture studios I teach. In spite of wishing for a more effective speaking voice, I don't have time to spend on laborious exercises. The approach presented in this book is easy to understand, and can be done in spare moments, in the shower, etc. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants their voice to sound more professional and confident.
Understanding which speeches make folks listen, July 8, 2002
Reviewer: Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)
Renee Grant-Williams' Voice Power tells how to apply positive vocal techniques to both business and personal situations. From using silence as an exclamation and delivering persuasive sales pitches to understanding which speeches make folks listen, this is packed with insights.
Barnes & Noble
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It's a good read, smart, funny and insightful all at once.
Voice Power will help even the most reluctant speakers become more confident, persuasive presenters and communicators
This book should help even the most reluctant speakers become more confident, persuasive presenters and communicators.
For those who are constantly interrupted or asked to repeat themselves, the problem may not be what they're saying, but how they're saying it. Voice coach Renee Grant-Williams, who works with singers and politicians like Linda Ronstadt and John Ashcroft, shows how to make one's speech resonate impressively in Voice Power: Using Your Voice to Captivate, Persuade, and Command Attention. She reveals how to enunciate consonants for dramatic effect, use breathing techniques to make the voice richer, deploy strategic silence, cope with stage fright and leave authoritative voice-mail messages. There's also a chapter on maintaining a healthy voice. (Mar.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Voice coach Grant-Williams explains how to apply the principles she teaches professional singers to using the voice in everyday situations. She discusses voice production, techniques for delivery, advice for specific applications, and a voice survival kit. There is no bibliography. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Richard Dell, A reviewer, September 24, 2004,
What a wonderful book! Most self-help books are boring, and I rarely learn much of value. Not so with Voice Power. This book was such an easy read, and it's sprinkled with stories and anecdotes that keep you wanting to read more. And, the more I read the more I learned. I'm now going through it a second time chapter by chapter, working on each specific topic until I get it right. I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to improve their speaking voice.
Ben Andrews (benjatado@hotmail.com), A reviewer, January 21, 2003,
Useful vocal technique!!
Extremely helpful, thought provoking and well written!! This book is an absolute must read for anyone who uses their voice. I was amazed by the wealth of useful information and technique that was encapsulated within this easy to read book. The techniques discussed within the book have now become part of my daily practice regimen. It has refreshed my practice routine and empowered my singing and speaking voice. Highly recommended!! Ben Andrews - Huntsville, AL
A reviewer (LSecor@aol.com), January 4, 2003,
A Must Read!
Here's a book that captivates it's reader. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down! It's easy to read and follow. You'll find yourself smiling at times, or shaking your head in agreement with the author as you read it. She is definitely a master at her craft! Ms. William's teaching technique is down to earth. This is not a "stuffy" book. It's as if she's right in your living room with you as you read it. She teaches you "step by step." Her approach is practical and easily applied. She teaches you how to command the power of your voice, at will! Being a minister, I've read plenty of books on the subject of public speaking. I'm far from being an "easy sell." I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in improving their public speaking skills. Even if your not interested in public speaking, in this book you'll find the way to bridge the gap between your thoughts and what actually comes out of your mouth. That's a skill we can all make good use of in our daily lives. At times we've all said something we wished we hadn't. And what about the times when we wished we could find the perfect way to express our thoughts? There's an old saying, "Open mouth, insert foot." With this book you never need worry about that again. After practicing the techniques in this book you'll feel more confident. You'll project a better self-image. You'll find yourself
captivating
your audience. That's what happened after the first few times I applied the techniques in this book. I can't say enough good things about this book. It's the one you should order if your serious about improving your public speaking skills. Ms. William's... "Bravo!!!!" Thank you for writing this book. Your the best! L.S. Eureka Springs, AR
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