April 12, 2025
By Aisha Manrique – Voiceover Artist, Caribbean Thought Leader, Public Speaking & Vocal Empowerment Coach
Before someone sees your résumé, your website, your killer heels or your well-groomed beard…they hear you. And in that tiny window of a few seconds, people are already making judgments about your confidence, clarity, credibility, and yes, even your price tag.
Let’s be real, nobody wants a coach, speaker, or entrepreneur who sounds like they’re asking for permission to speak. We want bold (most times). We want clear. We want conviction. And guess what? That doesn’t come from the words on your website alone. That comes from your voice. Here are a few things I need you to seriously think about and consider:
Think of your voice like a fingerprint. It’s uniquely yours. Are you warm and inviting? Bold and commanding? Calm and reflective? Or do you speak like you’ve just had 2 doubles and a red solo? For those beyond the Caribbean, that’s a stapled favorite – basically fried dough, curried chickpeas, and a hit of a sugary refreshment that gives you quick energy or extreme fullness.
Whatever your natural vocal style is, own it. It’s ok to be inspired by your favorite speaker, but you don’t need to try to sound like him/her. Authenticity is the new currency. And your audience can smell fake from miles away—even through a screen. A quick tip: Record yourself talking about your brand or services. Then listen back—not as yourself, but as your potential client. Do you sound confident? Would you hire you? Be honest, would you?
Louder does not equal better. (That goes for people and DJs at Caribbean weddings.) Being intentional with how you use your voice means knowing when to pause, what to emphasize, and how to add texture and life to your delivery. This is especially important for:
Your tone should match your message. If you’re selling a luxury service, don’t rush through your words like you’re trying to beat a buzzer. Slow it down. Add breath. Let people feel your presence.
Caribbean people? We’re naturally expressive. Our voices dance when we tell stories. We raise eyebrows mid-sentence. We get theatrical even when describing how we “just went down the road.”
USE THAT.
Don’t tone yourself down in the name of professionalism. Professional doesn’t mean boring. It means intentional. It means you know your message, you know your audience, and you’ve learned how to balance charisma with clarity. Don’t get me started on that word charisma. I think I’ll go to town and back with that one in my next blog.
The minute your audience starts hearing the real you, they start trusting you.
And trust is the bridge to business. Read that line again.
If your Instagram Lives are fire but your discovery call sounds like you’re falling asleep—we have a problem.
Your voice should be consistent across all your platforms. The same warmth and confidence I feel when watching your reel should show up when I book that session with you.
That’s not to say you have to be “on” all the time—but you do have to be intentional
about the experience you’re giving people when they interact with your voice.
Let’s not sugarcoat it. If you’re serious about building a brand that makes impact and money, then investing in vocal training is not optional. That’s like saying you’re a personal trainer but never went to the gym. Whether it’s voiceover, public speaking, or coaching—your voice is the main instrument you’re using.
So ask yourself: Is it in tune?
And that’s where I come in. Whether you’re looking to level up how you sound on stage, screen, or Zoom—I help you find and finesse your authentic, powerful voice. No gimmicks. No scripts. Just you, amplified.
If you’re a coach, creative, or entrepreneur who’s tired of playing small with your voice and ready to own your space… I’ve got you.
Let’s work together 1-on-1 or through my signature programs to help you:
DM me, email me, or click Book Aisha to apply for coaching or book a discovery call.
Your voice is not just a sound.
It’s a strategy.
Let’s unlock it together.
Helping you craft confident communication, one word at a time because your voice can change your life!