With
Sophie Scott
(MA Cantab (English Literature & Language), PG Dip (Vocology), PG Dip (Performance Practice), ALAM)
Your Story. Your Voice.
About
I'm an Executive Vocal Coach and Sustained Dialogue facilitator based in London, UK, working both in-person and online. I work with individuals and teams to develop better technical voice use as well as addressing any psychological and emotional obstacles that may block the flow and impact of a confident, free and effective voice.
Few understand the intricacy of the vocal mechanism and, yet, most of us use it as one of our primary tools for relationship building and communication. Talk is action; we do it beautifully even when not in the same room: we don't need to see each other for something said - something voiced - to be infinitely powerful. This work isn't always comfortable or easy, but it is a vital element of communication and leadership, and an element that is often forgotten.
There are many communication myths, and many presentations and communications coaches promoting them - often without realising they're doing so. As well as being mindful of avoiding believing these myths, it's also important to work on your voice with a trained vocal coach, rather than someone whose specialism is in another topic. Head over to some Frequently Asked Questions to find out more about this.
Few understand the intricacy of the vocal mechanism and, yet, most of us use it as one of our primary tools for relationship building and communication. Talk is action; we do it beautifully even when not in the same room: we don't need to see each other for something said - something voiced - to be infinitely powerful. This work isn't always comfortable or easy, but it is a vital element of communication and leadership, and an element that is often forgotten.
There are many communication myths, and many presentations and communications coaches promoting them - often without realising they're doing so. As well as being mindful of avoiding believing these myths, it's also important to work on your voice with a trained vocal coach, rather than someone whose specialism is in another topic. Head over to some Frequently Asked Questions to find out more about this.
What do I do?
Voice is multifaceted: a neurological, physiological, psychological and emotional entity. I work with clients twofold: addressing vocal technique, including concerns or issues relating to breath, phonation, pitch and prosody (the storytelling music of the voice), alongside psychological and emotional concerns (intrusive thoughts, confidence, and more). By integrating breath, sound and voice, a fully embodied expression of communication becomes possible, impact is heightened, and relationships are strengthened. Clients develop a more comfortable sound, reduced fatigue, and ever more effective interactions.
Some of my work involves helping clients navigate any disconnects they're experiencing, working to create an environment where vocal communication and intention match, where nerves don't spoil a presentation, where tension doesn't build fatigue and throttle the sound - getting in the way of powerful interactions. Clients sometimes talk of having 'different' voices: one for work, one for personal life, another for written communication. The impact of their work with me can be felt across these environments.
Some of my work involves helping clients navigate any disconnects they're experiencing, working to create an environment where vocal communication and intention match, where nerves don't spoil a presentation, where tension doesn't build fatigue and throttle the sound - getting in the way of powerful interactions. Clients sometimes talk of having 'different' voices: one for work, one for personal life, another for written communication. The impact of their work with me can be felt across these environments.
Qualifications
My specialist knowledge lies in bringing together expertise in technical voicing, nuanced understanding of the creation and impact of communication through language, alongside lived experience of as well as therapeutic training in the emotional and psychological qualities of voice. I am adept at working both in-person and online.
In addition to my Vocal Pedagogy (Coaching & Teaching) Diploma, I have more than fifteen years’ experience working with spoken and singing voice. My twenty-year career as an actor and singer means I understand precisely the benefits and challenges of voice training, while ten years as an in-house and freelance editor in trade publishing (fiction, memoir and non-fiction) and a commitment to Conversation Analysis (studying live talk in action) have given me a vital understanding of narrative, language, and their effect on audiences.
I hold a Masters in English (Lit. & Lang.), Postgraduate Diplomas in Vocal Pedagogy and Acting, and am an associate of the London Academy of Dramatic Art, as well as an alumnus of Cambridge University and The Oxford School of Drama. I am an Associate Senior Lecturer for Universtiy of Essex and University of Wales Trinity St David , and as Senior Lecturer for Voice Study Centre, UK, I teach on and support the running of their Vocal Pedagogy Masters training. Dedicated to bringing theory to practice to underpin an effective, rigorous and holistic coaching, I specialise in vocal emotion communication, conversation and relationship development. My articles have been published in both the Voice and Speech Review and Psyche, I am Editor of the VASTA Voice (the Voice and Speech Association's publication) and Senior Advisor to narrative agency Bladonmore. Alongside my work commitments, I'm currently studying for an Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Arts and Education, to further deepen my coaching practice in support of the needs I meet in clients.
In addition to my Vocal Pedagogy (Coaching & Teaching) Diploma, I have more than fifteen years’ experience working with spoken and singing voice. My twenty-year career as an actor and singer means I understand precisely the benefits and challenges of voice training, while ten years as an in-house and freelance editor in trade publishing (fiction, memoir and non-fiction) and a commitment to Conversation Analysis (studying live talk in action) have given me a vital understanding of narrative, language, and their effect on audiences.
I hold a Masters in English (Lit. & Lang.), Postgraduate Diplomas in Vocal Pedagogy and Acting, and am an associate of the London Academy of Dramatic Art, as well as an alumnus of Cambridge University and The Oxford School of Drama. I am an Associate Senior Lecturer for Universtiy of Essex and University of Wales Trinity St David , and as Senior Lecturer for Voice Study Centre, UK, I teach on and support the running of their Vocal Pedagogy Masters training. Dedicated to bringing theory to practice to underpin an effective, rigorous and holistic coaching, I specialise in vocal emotion communication, conversation and relationship development. My articles have been published in both the Voice and Speech Review and Psyche, I am Editor of the VASTA Voice (the Voice and Speech Association's publication) and Senior Advisor to narrative agency Bladonmore. Alongside my work commitments, I'm currently studying for an Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Arts and Education, to further deepen my coaching practice in support of the needs I meet in clients.
How I can help
As a trained and highly experienced vocal coach I work with clients to improve vocal comfort, ease and confidence. My coaching also brings together conversation analysis, neuroscience and the creative arts, to support individuals and groups to understand and improve communication, connection and meaning through use of their voice, body and language.
Whether effective questions and feedback, language and vocal emotion communication, trust-building and rapport, or improving vocal fatigue, leadership style, public speaking and confidence, I tailor sessions and workshops to suit your needs. This ensures you, your team, and those around you can engage in meaningful, confident communication, able to improve understanding as well as to regroup and repair if misunderstandings do occur.
I work both in-person and online. For ongoing training or one-off sessions and to discover more please get in touch.
Whether effective questions and feedback, language and vocal emotion communication, trust-building and rapport, or improving vocal fatigue, leadership style, public speaking and confidence, I tailor sessions and workshops to suit your needs. This ensures you, your team, and those around you can engage in meaningful, confident communication, able to improve understanding as well as to regroup and repair if misunderstandings do occur.
I work both in-person and online. For ongoing training or one-off sessions and to discover more please get in touch.
You are very welcome to email me directly at [email protected] or to use the form below just to make contact, and I will progress things from there. I look forward to hearing from you.