SHINE! Creative Coaching

What are your favourite rentable venues in Toronto? About 350 seats? Help my community choir find a terrific place to rent for our show.

Hi Voice friends!

Are you on the email list for info about the NVA/ANV Voice & Speech Conference? As conference co-chair, I'm so excited about the programming we have on offer, and I hope many of you can join us.

Our featured workshop this week is led by Laura Quigley. Laura is a Canadian performer, playwright, director, professor, and Fitzmaurice Voicework® instructor. This workshop will be a chance for participants to explore ‘Playwriting Vocal-Centric Text’.




https://www.anv-nva.ca/conference-2024

We're thrilled to share that D'Arcy Smith, and Julia Lenardon will be offering an Introduction to Vocal Combat Technique workshop as part of our upcoming conference (June 8&9 at Brock University).
Curious to know more? Want to experience this and all the stellar programming at the ANV/NVA's Inaugural Conference?

Register on our website - https://www.anv-nva.ca/conference-2024

Hi Voice and Speech Friends,

Did you know, a small but dedicated group of voice professionals in Canada has been working since 2018 to create a national organization? The new association has this mission:
The National Voice Association (NVA) advocates for teaching, coaching, and training professionals dedicated to the speaking voice. We celebrate the deeply personal nature of voice work and the cultural aspects of embodying language. We uphold equity, diversity, and inclusion as our foundational values.
We hope to stimulate connection and strengthen community.
And now, we are planning the first-ever ANV/NVA Conference!

We’d love to have you join us at Brock University in St Catharines, Ontario June 8 & 9, 2024 for our inaugural Conference, ‘Beginnings’.

Stellar programming includes not-to-be-missed workshops, lively panel discussions, and invigorating group warm-ups.
Registration and more info on our website (linked in the comments).

We look forward to seeing you!

Christine Berg and Sarah Weatherwax (Conference Committee Co-Chairs) and the NVA/ANV Board:
Jane MacFarlane (Chair), Jennifer Toohey (Vice Chair), Meredith Scott (Secretary), Paul de Jong (Treasurer), Alison Matthews (Member-at-Large), Janine Pearson (Member-at-Large)

Hey Voice Friends, the Love Your Voice Masterclass is in just ONE Day. In this class, I’ll share:
The mechanics of how your voice actually works
The root causes that lead to disconnection, vocal strain, fatigue, and trouble speaking effectively
What to do--even if you’re recovering from illness or or overuse--to connect with your natural and compelling speaking voice
Will you be there? There’s going to be a ton of value in a very short amount of time (about an hour). And with two sessions, there’s bound to be one that works for your schedule. If you can’t make it live, don’t worry, sign up anyway and I’ll send you the replay. Link in bio to join.

I usually teach this in-studio to a class I’m already working with. But just 1x per year, I open it up more widely. If you’re curious to learn more about developing a more embodied, resonant speaking voice; or if you’re already familiar with Linklater Voice Work and want to reconnect with principles you hold dear, this class is for you. �
Link in bio to register.

If you're reading this, I'm probably rehearsing. Because, yes, using your voice in public takes rehearsal at any stage - and I get full of excited/jitters too.

Would you like to use your voice more intentionally as a tool for connection? Would you like more of YOU to come through your voice?

See you at the Masterclass. Link in bio to join.

This is my favourite class to teach. I first taught it back in 2020, and I had such good response I bring it back every year.

Whether you’re looking to stretch to new heights or shake off your vocal demons, either way, I hope you’ll join me on either Oct 5th or Oct 10th for the live Love Your Voice Masterclass.

This is going to be a powerful opportunity for you to get a direct line to your most authentic, expressive voice. This will be a true masterclass, with detailed information and practical exercises for you to explore your voice and even share (if you’re feeling brave) with the rest of the group. I hope to see you there - link in comments to join.

So often, in my sessions, I hear things like: ‘I have a monotone voice’, ‘my words don’t sound truthful - even to myself', or ‘I want to express my emotions, but I feel like something is stuck in my throat’.

Oof. It's not easy to find the courage to share your truth, and the freedom to let your voice out. We've all felt disconnected from our voices at one point or another. The key to reconnection is understanding why and learning what to do about it.

This week on the blog I've done some updated writing on why we get disconnected from our voices - and why connecting with your authentic voice is one of the most powerful tools you have whether you're trying to speak a heartfelt message to a loved one, or deliver the performance of your career. If you've ever dreamed of really owning and connecting to your voice, this blog is for you.

https://www.shinecreativecoaching.com/blog/why-feel-disconnected-from-voices

I'm now gathering my next like-minded community of people dedicated to freeing their voices and speaking their truths.

This time, I'll be running an 8-week version on Tuesdays, beginning Oct. 17.

If you feel called to join us, and want to get in at the early bird price (available til Thursday at midnight), comment FREE VOICE below and I'll send you the details.

I'm leading another free community voice & body warm-up on Thursday, Sept 7 at noon. We'll spend about 30 minutes together exploring the feeling of space inside our bodies and letting our voices reverberate through those spaces.

Everyone welcome, sign up below.

https://calendly.com/berg/community-warm-up

One of the things I love the most is leading free community warm-ups. It feels freeing for me to work on my voice with you, and I love the everyone's welcome/ go at your own pace atmosphere.

On August 17th we'll do a relaxing and opening floor sequence from the Linklater progression. It'll help you deepen your breath, connect to your lower body, and encourage vibrations all the way from hip sockets to lips.

https://calendly.com/berg/community-warm-up

Kingsley will be attending the Free Community Voice & Body Warm Up tomorrow. Will you?

Happy Pride Month!

This month I'm celebrating you and your unique voice.

Our voices are one of the truest expressions of our identities. They're part of what makes us who we are. No matter who you love or how you identify, I'm here to support you on your journey to vocal acceptance and freedom. Your voice is worthy. Whether that means helping you inhabit a voice that aligns with your gender identity, or simply supporting you in using your voice to express yourself, I am holding space for you -- this month and always.
Your voice is something to be proud of.

If you’d like a welcoming environment in which to do the foundational work that'll help you become a better presenter, or more expressive actor, to speak with more confidence and to access greater vocal authenticity, you're in the right place.
join me on June 15th at 9am EDT for some free voice work taught live. We'll breathe, stretch, yawn & sigh. We'll connect to our authentic voices and set them free.
Link to register in the comments.

CURIOUS ABOUT THE FREE VOICE & BODY WARM UP?

Here's a few things you should know.
- We'll be live on zoom
- It's a great place to try new things in a safe and supported environment
- You'll Yawn, Stretch, Sigh & Let Your Voice Out
- Public or private - it's up to you. You can keep your camera off & participants will be on mute so you're free to make mistakes and explore the work as you wish.
- Yes - this work will strengthen your speaking voice AND there's loads of side benefits too. The breathwork and humming will help to regulate your emotions and reduce anxiety.
-This work will invite you to imagine and play. If you're an actor or an artist, this is a great place to stretch your creative muscles.

New blog article out today. That vocal confidence you've been looking for? My hot take is that it's all about embodiment. Being IN your voice and body as you speak carries impact.

🔗 in bio for the full post.

Happy Thursday!

Getting more sound doesn't need more effort.
The vibrations of your voice love to travel through your bones - and "vibrations thrive and multiply in an atmosphere of relaxation." (Kristin Linklater)

Finding ease. Such a life lesson, right? I feel like I need this one on a sticky note by my desk. What if it could be easy?

Today, I'm going to let ease and play lead the way. Join me, will you?

Have you been feeling disconnected from your voice? Do you feel overwhelmed with the rush and grind of your day-to-day life?

For just a moment, I’d like you to practice this with me: Stop. Close your eyes. Feel your breath come in. Let it out on a sigh.

Feel a bit better? Voicework is a practice of self-care and love. And all it takes is five minutes a day to slow down, breathe, and free your voice.

Click the link in my bio to get access to my mini-course, “Freedom in 5 - 5 days to a Free-er voice in 5 minutes a day”. Every day for five days, I’ll send you a five minute vocal practice video & downloadable guide. You’ll be surprised by the difference it makes!

As a speaking voice coach, I've been reflecting on what works when it comes to communication, particularly what I heard working for the speakers and panelists at last month.

I heard a lot of interesting and driven people speak about their passion projects and I want to try to articulate what these very different people, speaking about very different things, have in common as communicators. What makes them excellent at the art of connection? Here are a few elements that I observed in action at SXSW:

- Exploring with (as opposed to 'talking at') the audience (NASA Scientists)
- Finding the right level of formality - matching the vibe (Paul Giamatti)
- Receiving energy from the audience - (New Order)

If you’re curious about the stories and want to know more about how speakers and performers put these elements into action from a voice coaching perspective, check out the blog and let me know your thoughts. LINK IN BIO.

Your voice is you. Learning to love your voice is learning to love yourself.

I couldn't resist this one. It's my mission to help you shine. Through what you say, and me importantly, how you say it. Your voice can feel powerful, connected, expressive, rich. All of you can be expressed through your voice. And the more of YOU you share, the more connected you'll be.

your voice

What does a sigh of relief feel like for you? Can you imagine a situation that gives you this feeling? Do this on breath only. Now do it on voice.

How does that feel?

voice

If getting into voicework feels daunting- like it’s too big a task, too much of a commitment- then perhaps this bit of wisdom will help: You can see results by giving your voice some love for as little as five minutes a day.

In just five minutes you can bring awareness to your breath, step into your body, and find your voice.

Click the link in my bio get access to my mini-course, “Freedom in 5 - 5 days to a Free-er voice in 5 minutes a day”. Every day for five days, I’ll send you a five minute vocal practice video & downloadable guide. You’ll be surprised by the difference it makes!

If getting into voicework feels daunting- like it’s too big a task, too much of a commitment- then perhaps this bit of wisdom will help: You can see results by giving your voice some love for as little as five minutes a day.

In just five minutes you can bring awareness to your breath, step into your body, and find your voice.

Click the link below get access to my mini-course, “Freedom in 5 - 5 days to a Free-er voice in 5 minutes a day”. Every day for five days, I’ll send you a five minute vocal practice video & downloadable guide. You’ll be surprised by the difference it makes!

https://view.flodesk.com/pages/640231649b153e72bb648a8a

Happy World Voice Day! May you share your voice joyfully and courageously.