Recruitment, Sales and really any role in the business world where you need to wield influence, is all about good communication, and there’s no more powerful tool for communication than your voice. But, are you using it to its full potential? We recently had Vocal Expert & University Lecturer Amy Hume on the podcast to deep dive into how voice coaching can transform the way recruiters engage, build trust, and create rapport.

Why Voice Matters

As a recruiter, you’re constantly speaking—on the phone, in virtual meetings, or face-to-face. Your voice is your primary instrument, so it’s essential to understand how it works and how to optimise it. Here’s why it matters:

• Building Trust: The tone, pitch, and quality of your voice impacts how people perceive you. An engaging, confident voice builds trust faster than any other tool.
• Creating Connection: On the phone, your voice is the only tool you have to create a connection. How you modulate your speech can make someone feel understood, respected, and engaged.
• Preventing Fatigue: Speaking all day can be tiring. Learning how to use your voice efficiently helps you avoid strain and fatigue, so you sound fresh, even after hours of calls.
  
  
  

3 Key Elements to Improve Your Voice

Recruiters can benefit greatly from some simple but powerful voice exercises and techniques. Here are three key areas to focus on:

1. Variety in Pitch and Tone

Monotony is the enemy of engagement. Just like music, your voice needs variety to keep people listening. Ever notice how the best songs shift tone and tempo? Your voice should do the same to keep conversations dynamic. Practice by conducting your own voice like an orchestra—experiment with speaking slower, faster, softer, or louder.

Pro tip: Try saying “yes” in 10 different ways using various pitches and tones. This simple exercise helps unlock a natural range of expression you can use in daily conversations.

2. Pause for Effect

Sometimes, saying less means more. Pausing in a conversation lets the other person process information and invites them to engage. Don’t rush to fill every silence—strategic pauses create space for thoughtful responses.

In recruiting, where interviews and negotiations are often high-stakes, letting a sentence breathe adds weight to your words and can prompt more meaningful conversations.

Pro tip: Instead of raising your voice to grab attention, try speaking more softly. People naturally lean in when they hear a softer tone, making your point even more impactful.

3. Avoid Vocal Fry

Vocal fry is that croaky, gravelly sound you sometimes hear when someone’s voice dips too low. While it might seem harmless, studies show that it can come across as unprofessional or less competent. Be aware of this habit, especially after a long day on the phones, when vocal fry can sneak in.

To avoid this, maintain good posture and use your breath effectively. When you sit up straight and breathe deeply, your voice will have the support it needs to stay strong throughout the day.

Quick Fixes for Vocal Fry:

• Sit upright and breathe from your diaphragm.
• Try a quick vocal reset, like trilling your lips or whimpering softly like a puppy (yes, it works!)
  
  
  

Posture and Breath: The Secret Weapons

Your voice is driven by breath. If you’re hunched over a computer all day, your voice won’t have the power it needs to come across confidently. Good posture opens up your airways, allowing your voice to resonate fully.

Pro tip: Think of your voice as a musical instrument. With good posture, it resonates more fully, giving you access to richer tones and a wider range. Most people have a 3-4 octave range, but we tend to use very little of it. Just like stretching out before a run, opening up your voice with proper posture helps you use it more effectively.

The Bottom Line

Your voice is your biggest asset as a recruiter. Mastering it doesn’t require hours of training—just a few small adjustments can make a huge difference. By bringing more variety, pausing for effect, and avoiding vocal fry, you’ll enhance the way you connect with clients and candidates.

Ready to take your recruiting game to the next level? Start with your voice—it’s your most powerful tool.