Voice Beautification

I've been advocating Voice Coaching for years. Anybody, from a salesperson, to a trainer, to a bank teller can benefit from developing a more pleasing voice. Whether you like it or not, others judge you by the volume, tone and quality of your voice. Here's an exerpt from an article by Jennifer Saranow in the Wall Street Journal that confirms the growing trend in Voice Beautification for the common man!

"Speech therapy used to be for stutterers, lispers and other people with medically diagnosed language problems. But in a culture increasingly devoted to personal trainers, self-help books and cosmetic surgery, a new outlet for self-betterment is emerging: the personal voice trainer.

People have been wincing when they hear themselves speak since the dawn of the recording. Common complaints run the familiar litany of too high-pitched, too monotone, too nasal, too much like the opposite sex. For women, they often include: too shrill, too "valley girl," or too faint. For men, familiar grievances are too gravely or too weak.

Voice experts say that many voice "problems" are caused by unbalanced talking, or using too much of one part of the voice. (The components of the voice include breathing, vocal chord vibration and the sound of the voice as it resonates out of the mouth, nose and throat.) For example, hypernasality results from letting sound resonate too much through the nose. A gravely or harsh tone comes from excessive tension in the throat area.

The voice "is very similar conceptually to a person’s knee," says Joseph Stemple, a speech pathologist at the Blame Block Institute for Vocal Analysis and Rehabilitation in Dayton, Ohio, and author of a well-known voice pathology textbook. "It can become strained and weakened and unbalanced and you can do direct exercise to enhance it."

The key behind most voice exercise programs is teaching patients to find their "true" sound when emphasis isn’t on one part of the voice over others. Patients learn to breathe from their stomach and let the voice carry more fully out of their mouth. They learn to feel whether they are exerting their mouth, nose or throat too much when talking. They use relaxing exercises to relieve tension that may be putting emphasis too much on one area.

Patients say that the end result is a better voice and more- effortless talking -- but getting there takes a lot of work. Learning to talk with a "true" voice can mean anything from figuring out how to hold your tongue while speaking to breathing differently -- movements that feel weird and unnatural at first. It takes extensive practice to turn such changes into habit.

"The results are largely dependent on the amount of energy that they are willing to put into their practice," says Kate DeVore, a speech pathologist from Chicago, who estimates that personal training of normal voices now accounts for about half of her practice."

If you want to change your voice, look for my 'JOYFUL SINGING SERIES" coming soon! Based on my SEVEN PRINCIPLES FOR AN INTEGRATED VOICE, this series will give you the secrets of VOCAL MASTERY! Sign up for my monthly Voicegram to get updates on this fantastic product!

Singing Is Good For Seniors!

According to reports from the National Association of Music Merchants, picking up singing, or playing an instrument after dropping it earlier in life leads to such health benefits as an enhanced immune system, stress reduction and staving off depression and loneliness in older adults.

It's never too late to enjoy the benefits of music!

A Night at Fess Parker's

Thursday nights at Fess Parker's Wine Country Inn in Los Olivos are special. Fess and his wife Marcie host an evening of music. Lots of their local celebrity friends drop in; Fess is the MC and also sings a bit, and Marcie usually ends the show with a few songs.

Most of us baby boomers will remember Fess Parker in the Disney series 'Davy Crockett'. I bet you can still sing the theme song, "Davy, Davy Crockett, King of the wild frontier!" Fess was smart, and after his acting days, he got into real estate and development. He now has a beautiful winery in the Santa Ynez Valley among other resort properties.

My uncle often sings on Thursday nights; oh, did I mention that my uncle is 81 and has a beautiful voice! Singing is his passion, and he usually doesn't miss the Wine Country Inn gathering. Fess asked me to sing a couple of songs, which was fun. It's a nice atmosphere in the lobby with a glowing fire, couches; you feel like you're entertaining in the Parker's living room.

If you go visiting the Santa Ynez Valley, don't miss all the spectacular wineries in that area. Stay at the Wine Country Inn, it's lovely, cozy and you can drop in and sing a few tunes! And don't forget to say hi to Fess for me!

Find out about the Wine Country Inn and the Fess Parker Winery

Recording with Norman Thalheimer

While in California I spent several days recording with my dear friend and collaborator, Norman Thalheimer. Norman and I wrote music and lyrics for "Marilyn, An American Fable", which ran on Broadway at the Minskoff Theater. It's funny how many people loved that show.

I recently performed at a benefit for the Boys and Girls Club with Nyle Steiner (inventor of the EVI), and Richard Souther (4 time Grammy nominee), here in Utah where I sang "I'll Send You Roses" from 'Marilyn'. A man in the audience had lived in NYC and saw the show, which is always gratifying. I guess you can think of your art as a seed carried on the wind. You never know who has been touched by what you do, and where that little seed may end up, hopefully making a difference in the world.

While in So. California Norman and I recorded 15 songs. Some of them were from "Marilyn, An American Fable", and others were tunes we'd written through the years, but never got around to recording. So I'm excited to get them finished and mixed, and make them available for those fans of the musical (there was never a Cast Album done of 'Marilyn').

We also recorded some of our wacky, quirky, theatrical stuff. If you like weird, silly, punky music, hear some sound samples of our stuff (the other side of Beth Lawrence!) by Freud's Funhouse at: http://cdbaby.com/cd/twohandsmouth

For those of you who have my lullaby CD, "Land of Sleepytime", this is definitely NOT music for toddlers or children! These are crazy stories about aliens, peeping toms and other assorted weirdnesses!

Jim O'Neil & Rubicon Theater

On my recent trip to L.A. I spent the day with Jim O'Neil, Artistic Director of Rubicon Theater in Ventura. Jim and I grew up together in Santa Barbara, were at Cal Arts at the same time, and were 'roomies' in our early professional days in L.A. So we had lots of history to dredge up, and bunches of laughs recalling some of our 'finer' moments.

Jim and his wife, Karyl Lynn Burns have been instrumental in creating a fantastic venue in Ventura, California that features some of the best talent around. They've also been wonderfully successful in generating loyal support from both sponsors and the public. With the Endowments for the Arts and governmental support for the Arts dwindling, building an enthusiastic subscriber base is crucial, and not always easy to do. Rubicon uses seasoned professionals for their shows who love the convenience of being just an hour's drive from L.A.
Here's what the Times said about Rubicon:

"Rubicon Theatre Company moves the local stage to a level so many for so long had hoped for... the best theatre around."
Los Angeles Times

The day I visited, Rubicon was premiering a new show 'Back Home Again - a John Denver Holiday Concert', so I stayed for the opening and after-show party. What a great group of supporters! This photo is Jim and I at the party. Note his 'gentleman cowboy' shirt; everyone was in the John Denver rustic look, except myself, donning a Utah snow coat! Hardly needed in warm California.

I wish Jim, Karyl Lynn and their staff continued success. Read more about Rubicon at: http://www.rubicontheater.org

The Incredible Thoracic Diaphragm!

I was so thrilled to see the vocal and breathing mechanism in 3D at 'Bodies The Exhibit' while in Las Vegas! The first principle for great singing in my 'Seven Principles for An Integrated Voice' booklet is all about BREATHING correctly for proper support while singing or speaking.

So I was really excited to see the diaphragm in all its glory, and was surprised to see that it wasn't just a thin strip of muscle, but a huge muscle shelf that separates the thoracic cavity ( lungs and heart) from the abdominopelvic cavity (liver, stomach, intestines, etc.). The diaphragm is King!!

I have always advocated maintaining a soft belly so that the diaphragm can drop down (in its relaxed state it's shaped like a dome), allowing more air into the lungs. To actually see this giant muscle makes it so clear to me that what I teach has complete credence! I tell my students to think of the diaphragm much like a trampoline or strong platform that supports the tone, giving it strength and volume. When you actually see that it physically mirrors this image, that it is a muscle shelf that is designed for SUPPORT, it's incredibly exciting and gratifying!

When you breathe, your diaphragm area should expand. This is a hard concept for lots of singers to get, but you need to physically allow the diaphragm to drop and expand. You never want to 'push' the diaphragm or abdominals out, this creates tension, and with The Integrated Voice method, you don't want tension, anywhere!

Now that I've seen it (in the flesh, so to speak), I fully understand, and better realize, how to enlighten my clients about how to envision their breathing mechanism. I'm reminded again, it's all about the diaphragm! Not a lowly strip of tissue that supports the lungs and heart, but the King of muscles that stretches and expands to give you the glorious feeling of security in supporting your tone.

So honor your incredible diaphragm! By using the breathing mechanism correctly, you'll discover the miracle of great vocal support that will allow you to trust your voice, giving you the strength and confidence to be a great singer and dynamic speaker.

All hail the mighty diaphragm!!

If you'd like to know more about my Integrated Voice Method, see my article "My Story" http://www.vivalavoice.com

Guttman & Guttwoman!

While in L.A. I visited with my long-time friends, Gary Guttman and Rebecca Mills. We had a great dinner at the quaint, cozy Los Angeles restaurant icon, The Tam O'Shanter.

Gary Guttman is an incredible artist, musician and composer. He's working on an ultra-secret instructional product that I'll tell you about as soon as it's ready for release. From what he told me about it, it's something every composer is going to want to have! More news on that later.

Gary also creates incredible art. He runs the gamut of styles, but always with a slightly off-kilter, kooky slant. I love him!

Rebecca Mills is one of my dearest friends. In the years that I've known her she has astounded me with her art, her humanity, and her flamboyant apparel! (See photo of us at the Tam!) In fact, one of my most revered pieces of 'outerwear' was a gift from Rebecca. Once a year, I'll don my RED, SHEARED BEAVER coat with matching fur ear-warmer, and go Christmas caroling here in snowy Utah. I always think of Rebecca while staying warm, cuddly and oh-so-elegant in my gorgeous red fur. I must add here that I don't advocate the killing of animals for their pelts, but I will always cherish Rebecca's fur when I wear it on that one night a year.

For more information on Gary Guttman's music and art:
http://www.garyguttman.com

Bodies The Exhibit!

While in Vegas I had the rare experience of going to the 'Bodies, The Exhibit'. This fascinating display of real cadavers, elegantly preserved, and showing the body in various layers and poses is a MUST SEE. I was just enthralled seeing the muscles, internal organs, blood vessels, and bones in 3D rather than in a flat, text book illustration.

The human body is such a miracle! After spending hours in the exhibit, I was in awe of my body and the unbelievable systems that make it work. I also wondered how any of us make it past 20 with poor diet, injuries, bumps, bruises, illnesses etc. Somehow this incredible computer-machine we walk around in all day, and take very much for granted, manages to transcend our usually terrible treatment.

I left with a new found respect for this physical vehicle, and vowed to take better care of it!

The body is so incredibly delicate (the spinal cord looks like a bundle of silken, angel hair pasta!), yet so amazingly strong and resilient. I also pondered at who, or what, created such an amazing electro-magnetic machine.

Some folks might think that this 'Bodies' exhibit is creepy. Not in the least. It is so educational and awe-inspiring, and I learned so much about how all our 'parts' fit together so neatly!

Children, especially should see this to gain a better appreciation of their magnificent bodies, and hopefully treat their bodies with more respect and healthy habits.

'Bodies' has been around the world and may be winding down the 'global tour', but if this exhibit comes to a city near you DON'T MISS IT! It's still showing in major cities in the U.S. and around the world.

Go see it! http://www.bodiestheexhibit.com

Vegas - L.A. Tour

What a great tour of Vegas, L.A. and Santa Barbara! It's hard to imagine that I was walking on the beach in shorts in 77 degree weather just a couple of weeks ago, when the high here today in Utah is going to be around 26!

Las Vegas is always an adventure. I sang for the Center for Positive Living with their wonderful band, then did a 'Joyful Singing! Workshop' for an enthusiastic group. If you're ever in Vegas on Sunday, go hear Rev. Cynthia Clair for a fantastically inspiring message! For more info: http://www.thecenterlv.org/

anais nin quote

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a
bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."

Anais Nin, French born, American Author of novels
and short stories, 1903-1977

Volare with Tuba

Okay. Most of us haven't thought of the elegant tuba as the most versatile of instruments. However, my friend, and fabulous tuba player, Ginger Bruner recently dazzled me when I dropped in on her gig in Vegas, playing Italian favorites.

Here's the fun part; the tuba, (it seems all so logical now) was carrying the bass line! OF COURSE! I think my favorite was Ginger holding the trio together on 'Three Coins In the Fountain'!

Ginger's been known to have some of the weirdest tuba gigs in the world; in fact, I think she seeks them out! Recently she played tuba with a rock band!

I have a newfound respect for the often maligned, and under-appreciated toooba.

Above is a photo of Ms. Bruner (who's also in the Broadcaster's Hall of Fame in Vegas) at the Italian Wine Bar gig. (I suggest the Talbot 'Sleepy Hollow' Chardonnay. It goes very well with tuba played Sicilian style)!

Las Vegas Workshop and Sushi Buffet!

Even though I lived in Vegas for many years, I'm always amazed when I come back to this wacky city! I've seen Elvis twice; Marilyn Monroe only once (she was doing some shopping at Trader Joe's!)

What's great about this place is that people come here to reinvent themselves. It's kind of like an early gold rush town - you can be anything or anyone, and NOBODY CARES!

Last Sunday I sang at The Center for Positive Living, then did my "Joyful Singing!" workshop afterwards. One of the participants said "I increased my range by AN OCTAVE!" I love hearing stuff like that! Once you let go and release your voice, great things happen.

When in Vegas I always eat at Makino where you get all you can eat sushi, seafood and everything else under the sun. Isn't my first plate beautiful?? I ate my fill of the salmon sushi.

Hey! My "INTEGRATED VOICE, VOCAL MASTERY SERIES" just rolled out! In Volume One, The Basics, you get 1) a vocal mastery exercise CD 2) The Seven Principles for an Integrated Voice Booklet 3) a BONUS CD - Viva La Voice Tips!

It'll be online soon, but you can pre-order; just send me an email or watch the website for more info!

My client, Ms. Sr. Utah!

Here's a great photo of my client, Janet Seamons, Ms. Sr. Utah! I was there to cheer Janet on at the national pageant for Ms. Sr. America that was held in Las Vegas on November 11th at the Imperial Palace.

What a great event to see gorgeous women (60 +) who are talented, articulate and incredibly beautiful! It was hard to believe that any of the women were over 40 - they all looked great.

Janet was in the top 10, and also won the highest honor of the night, a $5,000.00 scholarship for her favorite charity!

I love coaching pageant contestants; it's all about revealing that confident, authentic self, and learning how to get your message, talent and humanity across to the judges and audience.

Congratulations, Janet Seamons, Ms. Sr. Utah!!

Santa Barbara Bound!

On this mini tour coming up beginning Friday, I'll be heading to Santa Barbara, California. I grew up in SB and love it so much; this will be a great 'homecoming'.

For anyone fortunate enough to be living in the TriCounties area, I'll be singing at the Center of the Heart in Santa Barbara on November 19th. See my 'upcoming events' on the website.

Drop by and see me! Can't wait to see the ocean and smell the salty-sea-air!

Voluntary Simplicity

My October Voicegram "A Life On Fire!" talked about finding fulfillment in our complicated and materialistic Western Society. After reading the Voicegram, my friend Dan Miller, from Seattle gave me a great tip, 'check out Voluntary Simplicity.' You may want to do the same if you're searching for a more simple, fulfilling life. After googling Voluntary Simplicity I came across Linda Breen Pierce's article which will give you a good idea of this wonderful concept. I believe that when you're living an authentic life you are so 'filled' that you don't need a bunch of 'stuff'. Easy to say, difficult to do. It's a quest, and as Ms. Breen Pierce says 'a lifelong journey.' Happy journey to you all! - Beth

What is Voluntary Simplicity ~
by Linda Breen Pierce



Voluntary simplicity calls into question North American society's tendency to equate money and material possessions with the good life. Proponents of simplicity as a way of life reject the notion that our life goal should be to amass as much material wealth and prestigious accomplishments as we possibly can. Their lifestyles tend to involve patterns of working less, wanting less and spending less.

This way of life cannot be strictly defined. It means different things to different people. What may be a simple, enriching life for one person could be a life of deprivation and suffering for another.

Simplicity can best be achieved by paring your life down to its essentials--those things, activities and relationships you either truly need or genuinely cherish.

Simplicity involves unburdening your life, and living more lightly with fewer distractions that interfere with a high quality life, as defined uniquely by each individual. You will find people living simply in large cities, rural areas and everything in between.

Some of the simplicity values that are important to people who live simply are:

1. Limiting material possessions to what is needed and/or cherished.
2. Meaningful work, whether paid or volunteer, ideally spending no more than 30 hours per week (in order to make time for items # 3 to 12, below).
3. Quality relationships with friends and family.
4. Joyful and pleasurable leisure activities.
5. A conscious and comfortable relationship with money.
6. Connection to community, but not necessarily in formal organizations.
7. Sustainable consumption practices.
8. Healthy living practices, including exercise, adequate sleep, and nutritious food.
9. Practices that foster personal growth, an inner life, or spirituality, such as yoga, meditation, prayer, religious ceremonies, journal writing, and spiritually-related reading.
10. Connection to nature-delighting in spending time in nature regularly.
11. Aesthetic beauty in personal environment.
12. Living in harmony with values and integrity.

Living simply does not require adherence to a rigid set of rules, but rather it challenges the individual to live consciously and deliberately. Simplicity is not a destination. It is a life long journey that is not always easy, but ultimately deeply satisfying.

Linda Breen Pierce is the author of Choosing Simplicity: Real People Finding Peace and Fulfillment in a Complex World and Simplicity Lessons: A 12-Step Guide to Living Simply. She can be reached via email or at (831) 626-8486 (Pacific time).

Copyright 2003, Linda Breen Pierce. You may reprint this article, provided you include the byline at the end of the article.

Las Vegas Workshop

If you live in Vegas, or know someone who does, don't miss my "Joyful Singing" workshop at the Center for Positive Living on NOVEMBER 12TH, 12:00-2:00 PM!

You'll learn all my singing secrets, and also get rid of any fears and phobias you have about your voice.

Get more info:
http://www.vivalavoice.com

See you there! Only $15 if you register early.

Lawrence Wins Zion's Bank Grant!

I'm so excited! I applied for a 'Smart Women' Grant from Zion's Bank, and got the Grant for my program, 'Project Treasure Box'. This will really help me help others. Here's the Press Release about the Grant and Project Treasure Box:

MIDWAY BUSINESS OWNER AWARDED ZION'S 'SMART WOMEN' GRANT

Performing Arts Coach to Help Women In Transition with Project Treasure Box


SALT LAKE CITY, Utah; October 24, 2006 - Beth Lawrence, CEO of the Midway-based company Viva La Voice, was one of 7 women from Utah awarded a 'Smart Women' grant at Zion's Bank Smart Women, Smart Money conference on October 11 in Salt Lake City. Lawrence applied for the Smart Women grant to help launch her Project Treasure Box which will give women who are re-entering the workforce, and are facing challenges financially, emotionally or physically, the opportunity to have private Integrated Voice and job interview coaching sessions at no charge.

"Smart Women" grants are provided to women who excel in a variety of categories; promote the empowerment of women; and emphasize collaboration between women entrepreneurs and non-profit entities supporting women.

Lawrence is thrilled to have been awarded the Smart Women Grant which will help her better facilitate Project Treasure Box coaching sessions. "I want to give women who may have lost hope a positive, life-changing experience that will help them get their life and confidence back, and show them that they can be successful, strong and self-sufficient. I've had my own struggles, which have taught me that self-confidence is the key to overcoming every obstacle. I've been a small business owner and independent contractor in a very difficult business (music), and know the importance of having someone believe in you," says Lawrence.

"I appreciate that Zion's believed in me and Project Treasure Box," says Lawrence. "I want to share what I've learned, and enrich others who could use some encouragement."

Zion's Bank gave grants up to $3,000 to women in business who empower, support and educate women in achieving financial independence.

"We developed the new Smart Women Grants to help bolster the efforts of everyday heroines who strengthen our communities in so many ways through their various talents," said Lori Chillingworth, manager of the Women's Financial Group.

Beth Lawrence is the only expert in the country teaching The Integrated Voice(tm) method, a holistic approach to voice coaching and therapy honoring the connection of body, mind and spirit. For over 15 years, Beth has been helping people all over the United States rediscover the joy of singing, performing, and living their Big Dream. "I love developing the brilliance in others!," states Lawrence, "and being able to give back some of what I've learned in my career is very fulfilling."


Lawrence's voice can be heard on numerous national jingles and soundtracks. Her CD's have garnered awards from Parent's Magazine, Billboard Magazine, the American Song Festival and L.A. Jazz Scene Magazine. An award-winning singer, Beth has appeared in major showrooms and concert venues in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. Singer/Composer Lawrence has written music and lyrics for Marilyn an American Fable, a musical that ran on Broadway at the Minskoff Theater in New York. Most recently she wrote book, lyrics and music for The Journey Home, which ran as part of the 2002 Cultural Olympiad.

Viva La Voice is a Company offering voice coaching; voice therapy for Parkinson's patients; songwriting and performing arts training; and a catalog of original compositions and training products.

To learn more about Beth Lawrence and Project Treasure Box, see http://www.vivalavoice.com

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A Life On Fire!

"Nothing sparkles like a life on fire. And there is no greater luster or luxury than feeling at peace in your soul." Tama Kieves

Thank you, Tama ("This Time I Dance!", a great book) for this great quote. It seems that there's a cross-generational 'mid life crisis' that is causing people to become increasingly uncomfortable with their lives these days. Time is fleeting; every day seems to fly faster, and many of us are questioning, as a friend of mine asked 'are we losing time, or losing ourselves?'

We've been led down a material path that brainwashes us into thinking we need more, newer, and bigger 'things'. Suddenly, though, all those material pursuits are leaving us with less time and more frustration. I've often wondered how it would feel to be free of all my 'stuff'; to fly freely anywhere, anytime, for any reason without the terrible burden of carrying around all my memorabilia, inherited china and purchased furniture. Ahhhhh, the freedom of it all!

I think Life is calling to us all to remember 'you can't take it with you, and it's slowing you down!' Attachments of any kind keep us stuck, and more and more people are feeling incredibly rut-bound. Do you feel like the movie 'Groundhog Day'? That you get up and repeat the same boring routine, ending the day wondering what you did that enriched yourself or others? Remember that the same actions produce the same results!

This past weekend I cleared out my closet. It feels fantastic. I've been carrying around clothes that I bought literally 15 years ago! Wow, talk about baggage. I can't wait to get rid of more clutter; it's so freeing!

If you feel like you're losing time; that you're not leading the fulfilled life you dream of; that you're off-purpose, then it's time for a total life makeover! Change your living space, change your diet, change your habitual thought patterns, and rediscover those dusty old dreams laying at the bottom of your closet (underneath those brand new shoes you've never worn - but they were on sale)!

If time IS speeding up, then all the more reason to spend your time doing something you love. All the money and things in the world can't compare to a life chock full of memorable experiences. As Tama Kieves says "Nothing sparkles like a life on fire." Amen, sister!

New Moms - Get some sleep!

If you're a new Mom, here's a tip for you: You'll probably get a lot more sleep if you play or sing lullabies to your baby! The soothing music will calm your baby and help your baby, and YOU get some sleep!

Here's what folks have said about my National Parenting Publications Gold winning lullaby CD LAND OF SLEEPYTIME...lullabies for the heart and soul:

"Your music has been a part of our daughter's bedtime routine for the past four years. It has been a wonderfully soothing way to end our day, as we rock in the calmness of your songs. Thank you for touching our hearts." -Marlene Galiszewski

It's been proven that music calms and sooths; but did you know that music also helps your baby develop important neural pathways in the brain?

Do you want to listen to LAND OF SLEEPYTIME in Itunes?? Go here:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=138183872

"Beth has such a beautiful and soothing voice. With three energetic and growing boys, we really need a winding down time at the end of the day and this CD really does the trick." -Renee Marrs

If LAND OF SLEEPYTIME works for three little boys, it will work for you!

"I recently had a son named Matthew and he has been listening to your Lullaby CD since I was pregnant with him :-) Well, now he LOVES it, and it relaxes him and he goes right to sleep! Your voice is beautiful and I just wanted you to know how much we both love and appreciate the CD." -Rebecca Olson

You can get this terrific baby sleep aid on my website (products) or go directly to CD Baby and get a good night's sleep RIGHT NOW! Here's the link:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/bethlawrence

Do you have a favorite LAND OF SLEEPYTIME success story? Share it with me! Or post a review on CD Baby to help other moms get some sleep!

Scotsman Guide Features My 'Tip of the Month'

The National Mortgage publication, Scotsman Guide is featuring my 'Tip of the Month'in their October issue! This is exciting! Below is a press release:

To Get Ahead - Stand Still

Scotsman Guide, A National Mortgage Publication - Features Utah Business Coach's 'Tip of the Month' in October Issue



MIDWAY, Utah, Oct. 7th, 2006 - Beth Lawrence, CEO of Viva La Voice, lends her expert voice to Scotsman Guide's October issue with her 'Tip of The Month' - Stand Still! This monthly feature offers quick, practical suggestions for professionals in the Mortgage and Banking business. According to Lawrence's 'Tip of The Month', there's power in standing still, especially for trainers, speakers and educators.

"Most speakers are shocked when I tell them to just stand still and deliver their talk," Lawrence says. When coaching speakers and singers, Lawrence makes sure that the message takes center stage, not the messenger. She continues, adding, "Everybody thinks they have to move around to hold their audience's interest, but it's really just the opposite! Unless you're moving for a reason, pacing or habitual gestures are a distraction, and take away from what you're saying. The audience can't concentrate on your content when they're distracted by your inconsequential movement."

"The Scotsman Guide's 'Tip of The Month' has to be 75 words or less," says Lawrence, "so just like the professional speakers that I train, the 'tip' has to be concise and to the point!" she adds. Scotsman Guide is the leading resource for mortgage originators and is published nationally every month in a residential, commercial and online edition. Scotsman Guide goes to over 64,000 Mortgage Originating offices in the U.S. each month. "It's fantastic to be featured in a National publication like Scotsman Guide," says Lawrence, "especially when their past 'Tip' contributors have included world-famous trainers like Tom Hopkins."

What's the point of Lawrence's 'October Tip'? The coach, voice therapist, singer/songwriter says, "Just focus on your message, and have the confidence to stand still when you have something important to say!"


Viva La Voice is a company based in Midway, Utah, offering private voice coaching, therapy for Parkinson's patients, workshops in the performing arts, and music camps for women.
To read the entire article, The Power of Standing Still, go to: http://www.VivaLaVoice.com/articles.htm


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