By Joana Lisboa – Vocal coach and professional singer
When a leader fails to create a connection with investors, clients, and teams, it’s often because they have not mastered the skills to connect with and communicate effectively with their heart, body, and voice.
Authentic connections with others – be it during a presentation, pitch to investors, team or board meeting, or a networking event – can only result from this deeper connection inside, and to achieve that, self-reflection and self-discovery are key.
The heart: Leading through vulnerability
Let’s start with the heart. The masks we wear to hide our true selves block genuine connection, and from years of working with clients on communication skills, I’ve found that the most effective approach to build meaningful relationships is by showing our vulnerability. To show vulnerability, we need to be brave. We need to trust that revealing our authentic selves will connect with something equally vulnerable in the person we’re speaking to.
The corporate world is evolving, and it’s changing for the better. The stereotype of the aggressive, cut-throat individual who’ll do anything to reach their goals no longer resonates with today’s stakeholders. Modern leaders come across as confident yet vulnerable, knowing what they want while inspiring their teams through embracing their own imperfect human qualities rather than intimidation.
I’ve seen this firsthand in voice workshops I’ve led within companies. In one recent session, an executive from a multinational corporation stood out by choosing to blend in with his team, showing vulnerability and a sincere willingness to learn and grow alongside them.
He could have stayed distant, observing from the sidelines as many executives do, but instead he chose to reveal his humanity – his most vulnerable side. This decision transformed not just his communication style, but his entire leadership presence. Every leader, in my opinion, needs to work on themselves before becoming a true role model for others.
The body: Expressing and experiencing empathy
Our physical presence is a powerful medium for creating empathy, a crucial aspect that shapes all our relationships. How can we use the body to initiate genuine empathy with someone? One simple yet powerful way is by genuinely smiling.
However, it’s not always easy to maintain genuine warmth while speaking or listening, especially in high-stakes situations. Some people manage it effortlessly, while for others, it can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Can this be changed? Absolutely. But it requires intentional practice.
This practice must become part of your daily routine: in front of the mirror, with a neighbor in the elevator, at the supermarket, at work, or with family – any moment when you seek human connection. The key ingredient isn’t technique. It’s a genuine desire to connect. Look people in the eye, pay attention to their responses, and listen more than you speak.
Authentic empathy also grows from our connection with our physical selves, which we can strengthen through proper breathing. Deep abdominal breathing, as opposed to shallow chest breathing, helps us feel grounded and present – activating a calm state that enables genuine connection rather than mere performance.
The voice: The foundation of assertive authenticity
When leaders struggle to create meaningful, trusting connections, it’s often because they’re disconnected from their authentic voice and fail to use it effectively to convey their true character. Your authentic voice is the one every leader should discover within themselves. It’s the voice that reflects who you truly are, connected to your body, breath, and emotions rather than a manufactured persona.
Additionally, effective leadership requires not only empathy but also assertiveness, especially in those crucial moments that can change everything. The key is what I call “humanized assertiveness”: being firm and clear while remaining genuinely human and approachable.
To access this power instantly, connect with your chest voice. Speak in a lower tone and place your hand on your chest. You’ll feel the vibration that becomes the source of your natural assertiveness. This isn’t about forcing a deeper voice, but about finding the resonance that comes from being grounded in your authentic self.
Your voice may seem like a fixed part of your personality, but it’s actually like clay – malleable and responsive to conscious work. By developing your voice, you simultaneously develop the internal qualities essential to leadership: confidence, assertiveness, empathy, and the self-connection that allows authenticity to shine through naturally.
Voice work can fast-track your journey of self-discovery, elevating your communication across all life situations. If you doubt this connection, I challenge you to record your voice during a typical business conversation and listen closely. Do you hear the confident, authentic leader you aspire to be, or someone still growing into that role? The good news is that every voice has the potential to evolve, and with intentional practice, you can step more fully into the leader you’re meant to become.
The Integration: Your business reflects who you are
Being a leader requires mastery across many dimensions, but the ability to communicate authentically with heart, body, and voice forms the foundation of all effective leadership. The challenges you face in communicating with investors, clients, and teams often mirror the challenges you haven’t yet addressed within yourself.
The most fulfilling path forward involves investing in your connection with yourself to naturally express the ideal balance of authenticity, empathy, vulnerability, and assertiveness that modern leadership demands.
Consider this: your business, your team’s performance, and your relationships with stakeholders all reflect who you are at this moment. When you develop yourself as a complete, integrated leader, everything else begins to align. There’s always time to invest in ourselves and improve. The question is whether you’ll make that investment now or continue operating as a leader still in the making.
Everything is connected.
About the author:
Joana Lisboa is an experienced vocal coach, professional singer, and voice-over artist dedicated to helping both individuals and corporate clients find their authentic, confident voices. Drawing on 15 years of practice and her own transformative journey from a shy person to a powerful communicator, she specializes in elevating leadership presence and team dynamics through tailored vocal techniques. Joana is also the founder of Your Voice Community, a supportive space focused on unlocking the full potential of the voice. Learn more about her work and services at joanalisboa.com.
Featured image: Joana Lisboa, professional singer and vocal coach, leading a workshop focused on vocal technique and expressive communication. (Photo credit: Guillaume Vieira)
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in contributed opinion pieces are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Portugal Startup News.
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