In this episode of Be Truly Heard, Anne Leatherland shines a light on everyday vocal habits that can make women sound smaller than they are and shows how tiny, safe shifts can help you “take up space” with your voice. She unpacks four common patterns: shrinking your voice, rising inflection, apologising/minimising, and disconnecting voice from self, then guides short, do-along exercises to build a sound that’s grounded, confident and fully you. These habits aren’t your fault (they’re shaped by years of conditioning), but changing them is your responsibility if you want to be taken seriously and heard.
Key Takeaways
Shrinking your voice makes people tune out. Use supported breath and a clear, energised call (“here/hey”) so power comes from the body, not the throat. Shoulders soft; ribs widen on the in-breath.
Replace rising inflection with a natural downward ending to signal certainty (without dropping volume or intent). Try: “I know what I’m talking about” with the pitch gently falling.
Cut the softeners: swap “I just wanted to add…” for “I’d like to add…”. Removing words like “just” and “sorry” stops you sounding tentative.
Reconnect voice and self: speak from what you truly value. A simple practice: hand on chest, deep breath, “This matters. This is worthwhile.” adds authentic energy that carries.
These habits are culturally learned, but shifting them is how you claim space: finish sentences with conviction, speak without apology, and let your voice fill the room.
Weekly challenge: choose one habit you recognise, practise the matching exercise, and notice how others respond when you allow more vocal space.
Best Moments
“While your voice is a natural part of you, many of the habits that you’ve picked up… can keep you sounding smaller than you really are.”
“When you keep your voice small… people literally can’t hear you or they tune you out.”
“The downward ending signals confidence, even though nothing else has changed.”
“Start small. Catch one word like ‘just’ and practise leaving it out.”
“When you reconnect voice, breath and self… your sound carries truth.”
About the host
With over 28 years’ voice-teaching experience, Anne Leatherland helps clients progress quickly and achieve goals with confidence. Bridging science, education and the performing arts, she is a science graduate, qualified teacher and singing teacher with advanced training in voice practice, vocal habilitation and life coaching. As the only Vocal Process Associate Trainer, Anne mentors and trains other voice teachers. Her holistic, collaborative approach nurtures every aspect of the voice alongside personal growth.
Find out more: https://anneleatherland.co.uk/
