What is the book about?
The world is going through chaotic uncertainties with rising geopolitical tensions, economic instability, climate change, environmental concerns, social and political divisions, cybersecurity threats, and more. As a result, people are experiencing increased stress, anxiety and fear, and decreased trust in governments, media and institutions. It is in this uncertain time that people are looking for leaders who can bring them a sense of certainty and hope, restore trust, foster unity and purpose.
Speaking with a powerful voice is the backbone of successful leadership. A leader needs his/her voice to calm people down, reassure people with certainty and hope, foster connection, build trust, convey the vision, inspire the teams and drive results.
Unfortunately, most leaders have overlooked the vital tool they have in successful leadership, their voice. That’s the reason most leaders fail to maximise the leadership capabilities. Without a powerful voice, your message gets unheard and lost in the noise, you get overshadowed by others, and your followers grow uncertainty and mistrust on you. This can result in missed opportunities, stagnant growth in your career, and a lack of credibility.
This book is showing that the voice you were born with can be changed. You CAN develop a powerful voice that articulates your thoughts with power and presence, that cuts through the noise and distractions, that navigates people through uncertainties with ease and hope, that motivates and inspires people through chaotic situations, and that leaves a lasting impact on people and your organisation.
Is the book for you?
If you experience any of the following, the book is for you:
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Not having the sound of a leader, voice is not projecting them as a leader
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No strong impact when motivating or inspiring people
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Not able to exude executive presence when speaking; often comes across as a lower level of staff or a specialist, instead of projecting as a leader who is capable of leading a global organisation
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Not able to cut through the noise to get heard in high stake meetings with stake holders
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Not able to achieve the balance between an authoritative and empathetic leader
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Speaking with a monotone
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Speaking too fast
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Not able to speak on the feet with confidence and impact
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Not able to convey a clear, concise and compelling message
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Table of Content
Preface
Acknowledgements
1. Leadership capabilities required in a chaotic world
2. What makes a powerful leadership voice
3. Leadership voice quality – Space
4. Leadership voice quality – Gravitas
5. Leadership voice quality – Emotion
6. Leadership voice quality – Equanimity​
7. Accelerating your voice transformation journey
Index
Selected Chapter Synopsis
3. Leadership voice quality – Space
This chapter shows you how critical it is for leaders to project a “big” voice that travels far, takes up space, and commands attention through client case studies and research results. It also shows you the differences between a “big” voice and a loud voice. This is followed by specific exercises to develop space in your voice. This chapter ends with a discussion on the mental and emotional blocks that hold you back from taking up space, followed by suggestions on how to release these blocks.
4. Leadership voice quality – Gravitas
This chapter discusses the gravitas in a leader’s voice: what it is, how important it is, and how to develop it through resonance and other aspects such as pause, pace, etc. It’ll show you a step-by-step process with practical exercises. This chapter also distinguishes the differences between gravitas and presence and how to develop both qualities in your voice. Finally, it talks about how both gravity and levity are needed in leaders and how to develop both.
6. Leadership voice quality – Equanimity
​This chapter helps you discover the remarkable quality that separates exemplary leaders from the rest: equanimity – what it is, the importance of it, and how to develop it. It shows you voices that lack equanimity and how you can cultivate equanimity through your voice and through removing the mental and emotional blocks that prevent you from staying calm and grounded in the midst of chaos, uncertainty, and turbulence.
How is this book different?
The books shows the readers that the leadership voice is not something intangible but can be measured, heard and developed. It provides a step-by-step process for the readers to literally “change” their voice and project gravitas.
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This book will help the leaders “change”and speak with a power voice to “articulates your thoughts with power and presence, that cuts through the noise and distractions, that navigates people through uncertainties with ease and hope, that motivates and inspires people through chaotic situations, and that leaves a lasting impact on people and your organisation.”
Most other books only talk about the metaphorical voice, e.g. inner voice. What this book is about is the physical voice, the mechanism of the voice, the sound of our voice, the vibration that we can feel physically.
What do people say about the book?
Whenever anyone asks me for a voice coach, I recommend Cynthia Zhai. Why? Because I know she will help them develop their voice as a leader and give them practical ways to continue becoming more and more powerful with their public speaking. Now that Cynthia has put her groundbreaking processes in this book, this will become the gift that keeps on giving. If you are a leader or your aspire to be one, this is a must-read. Cynthia is the world’s voice coach.
Craig Valentine,
MBA, World Champion of Public Speaking, Author of World Class Speaking
Cynthia shared in-depth insights on essential qualities needed in a leader’s voice to enhance leadership presence. She guides readers through insights and wisdom on how to liberate your mind and emotions of your voice and offers practical exercises to develop your powerful voice as a leader.
Ms Low Peck Kem
Chief HR Officer and Advisor (Workforce Development), Singapore Public Service Division, Prime Minister’s Office
In a time when uncertainty shakes the confidence of teams and leaders alike, Cynthia Zhai delivers a remarkable guide for finding and refining your leadership voice. This book is not just about speaking – it’s about inspiring trust, connection, and hope. With a step-by-step approach, Cynthia equips leaders with the tools to project a voice that calms in chaos, reassures in doubt, and motivates with clarity. She also delves deeply into the mental and emotional barriers that hold us back, empowering every reader to grow from within and lead with lasting impact. If you're ready to elevate your influence and create a powerful ripple of positive change, this book is your blueprint.
Ron Kaufman
Bestselling author of Uplifting Service
In today's labyrinth of relentless change, this book stands out as a beacon for leaders. It equips you with the tools to communicate in a digital world, and how to command and inspire confidence among your employees during these transformative times.
Robin Speculand
Specialist in Strategy and Digital implementation, Author of World’s Best Bank and Implement
In times of uncertainty, an impactful voice is more than a skill—it’s a necessity. Cynthia unveils the secrets to commanding presence, influence, and authenticity through voice mastery. This book goes beyond technique, weaving together mind, heart, and body in a way rarely seen in works on this subject.
In my work in applied psychology, I’ve come to realize that deepening self-awareness and self-regulation enhances every aspect of life. At its core, it comes down to mastering our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual intelligence. If this resonates with you, this book is the guide you’ve been looking for.
Barney Wee
Research & Development Director, Mind Transformations Pte Ltd