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Speak with Presence: Insights from Sonnet Simmons

 Host and speaking coach Chris McAuley introduces his podcast on how confident communication shapes career, reputation, and opportunity, then interviews keynote speaker and vocal presence coach Sonnet Simmons. Simmons shares her background as a singer-songwriter with music licensed for ads and media, her work helping independent artists navigate music licensing, and how client demand led her into leadership communication and “true voice” coaching. She and McAuley discuss authenticity, speaking from the heart, building trust through vocal sound, and handling high-stakes spontaneous communication with structure and practice. Simmons outlines her keynote prep process (outline, recording, slides, video rehearsal), emphasizes audience connection, and recommends vocal warmups. They explore nerves as manageable through breath, the value of stories, and identifying protective vocal patterns (breathiness, vocal fry, uptalk) through awareness and recording.

00:00 Podcast Opening

00:47 Meet Sonnet Simmons

02:37 Music Career Origins

05:51 Finding True Voice

07:57 Authenticity From Heart

11:46 Sound of Trust Keynote

13:07 Handling High Stakes Moments

17:45 Preparation And Practice

25:13 Owning The Material

27:08 Speaking From The Heart

27:22 Storytelling That Connects

29:13 Managing Nerves With Breath

30:38 Breath Training And Performance

32:07 Breath Before You Speak

34:01 Finding Your True Voice

35:57 Vocal Patterns To Notice

37:55 Record Yourself For Feedback

40:58 Rapid Fire Favorites

43:53 Travel Dreams And Wrap Up