March 1, 2017
With Set Your Voice Free, Voiceplace president Love, with writer Frazier (coauthor, Emotional Blackmail), shares techniques and exercises that help singers/speakers strengthen and effectively use their voices to connect with and move audiences. He employs examples from well-known artists he has coached and applies a wide range of methods to improve voice quality and delivery.
In Out Front, Shames (coauthor, Own the Room) guides readers through the mechanics of effective public speaking via emotional intelligence, leadership skills, and storytelling. Love concentrates more on dynamics, asking readers to focus on breathing, expanding one's range, and changing diet and personal habits to establish a clear voice. Shames works on developing assurance, personality, and language, paying attention to the quality of speech but also emphasizing the need to communicate the passion of one's message. In essence, Love, who zeroes in on technique, offers a series of voice lessons. VERDICT While both books are effective in their own ways, if one wants to gain confidence, go with Shames. If one has confidence but needs vocal assistance, choose Love.
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