A recovery exercise drill to help you get used to hearing your voice

Flat Tone vs. Real Emotion on the Mic: What Listeners Actually Feel

If you try to sound professional by flattening your voice into a "newscaster" tone in your podcasts or videos, you are actually making it harder for people to listen. Science shows that listeners physically mimic the tension in your voice. Basically, if you feel nothing, then they feel nothing. This episode looks at Simulation Theory and Emotional Contagion. I go over how your vocal prosody triggers the mirror neurons in your listener's brain. This biological link is why that "NPR Voice" thing often doesn't work all that well in podcasting, and why you need to use techniques to connect. Get better at communication and public speaking to improve your next episode. Key Takeaways: 1. Why listeners physically mimic the emotions they hear in your voice. 2. Why sounding objective or impartial creates a barrier to connection. 3. Mirror Neurons: How to trigger the "audio-motor link" in your audience's brain. 4. A simple script analysis and practice drill to inject genuine emotion into your episodes. RESOURCES: 1. Emotional Contagion: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/mirror-neurons-critical-development-empathy [https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/mirror-neurons-critical-development-empathy] 2. Simulation Theory: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2865077/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2865077/ ] 3. Prosodic Cues: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4588126/ [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4588126/] 4. Deep acting: https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/deep-acting-at-work/ [https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/deep-acting-at-work/] 5. Newsletter: https://stereoforest.com [https://stereoforest.com] ABOUT AND SUPPORT ========================== Written, edited, and hosted by Jen deHaan. Contact Jen at https://jendehaan.com [https://jendehaan.com] SUPPORT Your support will help this show continue. Funds will go towards hosting and music licensing for this show and others. This show is produced by an independent HUMAN artist directly affected by the state of the industry. SUPPORT THE SHOW * Like this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://performance.captivate.fm [https://performance.captivate.fm] * We love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytz [https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytz] * We have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8ndd [https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8ndd] * Transcriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqk [https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqk] * Schedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZR [https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZR] ABOUT JEN Host: Jen deHaan has a background of almost 30 years in tech, education, & instructional design and 10 years in improv and performance. Jen's website: https://jendehaan.com [https://jendehaan.com] Made and produced by Jen deHaan in British Columbia, Canada. 26a6eff0-f277-11f0-8b8c-c172a4fa91ca d8054720-f316-11f0-9304-01077eeac229

The "Red Stapler": How to Be Memorable & Believable

You might remember the red Swingline stapler from the movie Office Space. All these years later. You can apply that principle to your episodes to stop sounding like every other show. This episode explores Dual Coding Theory and Concreteness Fading. This science explains why abstract phrases like "an efficient workflow" are forgettable while concrete details like "fast editing with Stream Deck" stick in the brain better. Key Takeaways: 1. Dual Coding Theory: Why your brain processes images and text separately and how to trigger both. 2. Concreteness Fading: Why memory fades over time and how concrete nouns act as "handles" for the brain. 3. The Problem with Jargon: Why "safe" business words and AI make you sound kinda generic 4. The "Zoom In" Drill: A simple editing exercise to turn more of your words and phrases into specifics. RESOURCES: Dual Coding Studies: 1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312316469_Concrete_vs_Abstract_words_-_What_do_you_Recall_Better_A_Study_on_Dual_Coding_Theory [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312316469_Concrete_vs_Abstract_words_-_What_do_you_Recall_Better_A_Study_on_Dual_Coding_Theory] 2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301008223001120 [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301008223001120] 3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/dual-coding-theory [https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/dual-coding-theory] (multiple studies) More information about dual coding 1. https://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/dual-coding/ [https://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/dual-coding/ ] 2. https://plato.stanford.edu/archIves/sum2020/entries/mental-imagery/theories-memory.html [https://plato.stanford.edu/archIves/sum2020/entries/mental-imagery/theories-memory.html ] Concreteness fading 1. https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2018/2/1-1 [https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2018/2/1-1] (general) 2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959475221000839 [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959475221000839 ] Random word (suggestion) generators There are many! Here are two options 1. https://www.impromuse.com/ [https://www.impromuse.com/ ] 2. https://www.andismith.com/games/improv-suggestions/ [https://www.andismith.com/games/improv-suggestions/ ] Join the Lab & Get the Newsletter: https://stereoforest.com [https://stereoforest.com] ABOUT AND SUPPORT ========================== Written, edited, and hosted by Jen deHaan. Contact Jen at https://jendehaan.com [https://jendehaan.com] SUPPORT Your support will help this show continue. Funds will go towards hosting and music licensing for this show and others. This show is produced by an independent HUMAN artist directly affected by the state of the industry. SUPPORT THE SHOW * Like this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://performance.captivate.fm [https://performance.captivate.fm] * We love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytz [https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytz] * We have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8ndd [https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8ndd] * Transcriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqk [https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqk] * Schedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZR [https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZR] ABOUT JEN Host: Jen deHaan has a background of almost 30 years in tech, education, & instructional design and 10 years in improv and performance. Jen's website: https://jendehaan.com [https://jendehaan.com] Made and produced by Jen deHaan in British Columbia, Canada.

Make your voice (and face) sound and look more alive - easy practice drill

If you feel awkward staring into a camera lens, you are fighting your own biology. Your nervous system interprets the unblinking stare of a lens as a threat or rejection, even if your brain doesn't. This can lead to many things, including causing your facial muscles to go flat and turn into what actors might call "Dead Eyes." In this episode, we use Dr. Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory and the Still Face Experiment to explain why your face goes numb when you hit record, and you'll learn how to override it using a specific acting drill. Key Takeaways: 1. The Anatomy of "Dead Eyes": Why your Social Engagement System shuts down when looking at a lens. 2. Why the camera lens triggers a subconscious threat response. 3. Stanislavski’s Circles: How to use the "Medium Circle" to trick your brain into feeling safe. 4. The Drill: My "Talk to the Face" drill to warm up your on-camera presence. RESOURCES Join the Lab & Get the Newsletter: https://stereoforest.com [https://stereoforest.com ] Polyvagal Theory (Dr. Stephen Porges): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12302812 [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12302812] Stanislavski Circles of Attention: https://www.theatreworkout.com/post/stanislavski-3-circles-of-attention [https://www.theatreworkout.com/post/stanislavski-3-circles-of-attention] The Still Face Experiment (Dr. Ed Tronick): https://www.gottman.com/blog/research-still-face-experiment [https://www.gottman.com/blog/research-still-face-experiment ] Why Still Face was game changer - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tech-support/202307/why-the-still-face-experiment-was-a-game-changer [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tech-support/202307/why-the-still-face-experiment-was-a-game-changer] Still Face Experiment and connection - https://psychhelp.com.au/what-does-the-still-face-experiment-teach-us-about-connection/ [https://psychhelp.com.au/what-does-the-still-face-experiment-teach-us-about-connection/] Eyes as a Threat: https://psychcentral.com/health/identifying-psychopathic-stare#what-is-it [https://psychcentral.com/health/identifying-psychopathic-stare#what-is-it ] Research on Eye Contact with the Camera: https://jov.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2810811 [https://jov.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2810811 ] "Dead Eyes" Podcast by Connor Ratliff: https://headgum.com/dead-eyes [https://headgum.com/dead-eyes] CHAPTERS 00:00 The Disconnect: Why You Feel Awkward Recording 01:25 Welcome to the Podcast Performance Lab 01:47 Polyvagal Theory: The Social Engagement System 03:25 The "Still Face" Experiment Explained 05:35 Biology: Why the Lens Looks Like a Predator 06:33 Acting Theory: Stanislavski's Circles of Attention 08:41 The Personalization Technique: Speaking to One Person 11:22 Drill: "Talk to the Face" (Using a Photo) 14:36 Advanced Drill: Visualization & Scanning 18:22 Recommendation: The "Dead Eyes" Podcast ABOUT AND SUPPORT ========================== Written, edited, and hosted by Jen deHaan. Contact Jen at https://jendehaan.com [https://jendehaan.com] SUPPORT Your support will help this show continue. Funds will go towards hosting and music licensing for this show and others. This show is produced by an independent HUMAN artist directly affected by the state of the industry. SUPPORT THE SHOW * Like this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://performance.captivate.fm [https://performance.captivate.fm] * We love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytz [https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytz] * We have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8ndd [https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8ndd] * Transcriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqk [https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqk] * Schedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZR [https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZR] ABOUT JEN Host: Jen deHaan has a background of almost 30 years in tech, education, & instructional design and 10 years in improv and performance. Jen's website: https://jendehaan.com [https://jendehaan.com] Made and produced by Jen deHaan in British Columbia, Canada.

A recovery exercise drill to help you get used to hearing your voice

If you edit out every breath, "um," and awkward pause because you think it makes you sound more professional, you are actually hurting your authority. Psychology shows that being "too perfect" triggers the Uncanny Valley effect and makes listeners distrust you. In this episode, we look at behavioural psychology (specifically the "Beautiful Mess Effect" and the "Pratfall Effect") to understand why humans who show vulnerability (with that voice you "hate"!) win more trust than those who polish everything. We explore the "pratfall" effect and how it applies to both improv and podcasting. You'll get the psychological facts about how audiences perceive mistakes and understand the importance of failure acceptance in creative fields. I give you an exercise you can try today to practice speaking, using your voice, for your next episode (and it also works great for webinars too). Get some podcasting tips, a useful exercise, and improve your content. Key Takeaways: 1. How podcast editing generally handles errors, versus the spontaneous nature of improv. 2. Why we view our own mistakes as weaknesses but view others' mistakes as courage (The Beautiful Mess Effect). 3. How to use the "Pratfall Effect" to increase your likability as an expert. 4. Why filler words like "um" are actually neurological signals that help your audience process complex ideas. 5. My "Recovery Drill" to train your brain to speak continuously without stopping for mistakes. RESOURCES: Research on the Beautiful Mess Effect (Anna Bruk, University of Mannheim): https://www.bps.org.uk/research-digest/beautiful-mess-effect [https://www.bps.org.uk/research-digest/beautiful-mess-effect ]https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326743464_Beautiful_mess_effect_Self-other_differences_in_evaluation_of_showing_vulnerability [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326743464_Beautiful_mess_effect_Self-other_differences_in_evaluation_of_showing_vulnerability ] Research on The Pratfall Effect: https://ofdblog.wordpress.ncsu.edu/2022/08/22/re-engage-with-your-students-by-being-more-authentic-and-showing-your-humanity/ [https://ofdblog.wordpress.ncsu.edu/2022/08/22/re-engage-with-your-students-by-being-more-authentic-and-showing-your-humanity/] (see references) https://lup.lub.lu.se/luur/download?func=downloadFile&recordOId=8970932&fileOId=8970933 [https://lup.lub.lu.se/luur/download?func=downloadFile&recordOId=8970932&fileOId=8970933 ] Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages: https://juliacameronlive.com/ [https://juliacameronlive.com/] On Filler Words as Signals: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/um-so-how-filler-words-can-be-effective-communication [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/um-so-how-filler-words-can-be-effective-communication ] Episode on Improv and Failing (as fun!): https://youtu.be/RTN5KfE7GZ4 [https://youtu.be/RTN5KfE7GZ4 ] Join the Lab & Get the Newsletter: https://stereoforest.com [https://stereoforest.com] CHAPTERS: 00:00 Improv vs. Podcasting: The Mistake Mindset 01:23 Welcome to the Podcast Performance Lab 02:57 The Beautiful Mess Effect: Why We Judge Ourselves 03:29 Construal Level Theory: The Bark vs. The Forest 05:35 The Pratfall Effect: Competence & Vulnerability 06:58 The Uncanny Valley: Why Perfect Audio Sounds Fake 09:20 The Neuroscience of Filler Words (Why "Ums" are Signals) 14:09 Exercise 1: The Continuous Speaking Drill 17:03 Exercise 2: The Distraction & Recovery Drill 20:19 The Challenge: Leave One Mistake In ABOUT AND SUPPORT ========================== Written, edited, and hosted by Jen deHaan. Contact Jen at https://jendehaan.com [https://jendehaan.com] SUPPORT Your support will help this show continue. Funds will go towards hosting and music licensing for this show and others. This show is produced by an independent HUMAN artist directly affected by the state of the industry. SUPPORT THE SHOW * Like this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://performance.captivate.fm [https://performance.captivate.fm] * We love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytz [https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytz] * We have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8ndd [https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8ndd] * Transcriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqk [https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqk] * Schedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZR [https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZR] ABOUT JEN Host: Jen deHaan has a background of almost 30 years in tech, education, & instructional design and 10 years in improv and performance. Jen's website: https://jendehaan.com [https://jendehaan.com] Made and produced by Jen deHaan in British Columbia, Canada.

Solo Podcast Formats Explained | Storyteller, Teacher, Commentator

Solo podcasting often gets a reputation for being "easy" because you don't have to coordinate with guests. But without a guest to bounce ideas off of, many hosts fall into the trap of rambling or becoming monotonous. You need a specific architecture to hold your audience's attention. In this episode, I break down the three primary structures of solo podcasting: The Storyteller, The Teacher, and The Commentator. Plus, learn about a fourth BONUS format. We explore the subtypes within these categories too, such as the "Historical Deep Dive" or the "Academic Explainer," and look at real-world examples of successful shows using these frameworks. You will learn how to identify which structure fits your goals and how to pivot your existing show to a stronger format. Here is what you will learn in this episode: 1. The definition and goal of "The Storyteller" format (Narrative focus) 2. How "The Teacher" format builds authority through logic and frameworks 3. Why "The Commentator" format builds the fastest trust with an audience 4. The risks and rewards of blending multiple formats (Hybrid models) 5. How to use a "Cold Open" to hook listeners immediately RESOURCES: 1. Hardcore History (Dan Carlin): https://www.dancarlin.com/ [https://www.dancarlin.com/] 2. Lore (Aaron Mahnke): https://www.lorepodcast.com/ [https://www.lorepodcast.com/] 3. History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps: https://historyofphilosophy.net/ [https://historyofphilosophy.net/] 4. The History of Rome / Revolutions (Mike Duncan): https://thehistoryofrome.typepad.com/ [https://thehistoryofrome.typepad.com/] 5. Think Media Podcast: https://youtube.com/@ThinkMediaPodcast [https://youtube.com/@ThinkMediaPodcast] and https://www.thinkmediapodcast.com [https://www.thinkmediapodcast.com] 6. Your Improv Brain (Jen deHaan): https://youtube.com/@YourImprovBrain [https://youtube.com/@YourImprovBrain] and https://improvupdate.com [https://improvupdate.com] 7. The Humanist Report: https://www.humanistreport.com/ [https://www.humanistreport.com/] 8. Monday Morning Podcast (Bill Burr): https://billburr.com/podcast [https://billburr.com/podcast] 9. Better Online (Ed Zitron): https://www.czm.media/shows/better-offline [https://www.czm.media/shows/better-offline] 10. Adam Conover (YouTube Channel): https://youtube.com/@TheAdamConover [https://youtube.com/@TheAdamConover] 11. Revisionist History (Malcolm Gladwell): https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/revisionist-history [https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/revisionist-history] 12. Radiolab: https://radiolab.org/ [https://radiolab.org/] Chapters: 00:00 The risk of "winging it" in solo podcasting 01:35 Format 1: The Storyteller (Narrative focus) 02:08 Subtype: The Historical Deep Dive 03:07 Subtype: Themed Narrative & The Cold Open 04:36 Format 2: The Teacher (Knowledge transfer) 05:36 Subtype: The Academic Explainer 06:18 Subtype: The Framework Model (How-To) 07:34 Format 3: The Commentator (Perspective based) 08:24 Subtype: News Analysis vs. Op-Ed 10:48 Hybrid Formats: Blending structures effectively 13:15 Why structure creates creativity ABOUT AND SUPPORT ========================== Written, edited, and hosted by Jen deHaan. Contact Jen at https://jendehaan.com [https://jendehaan.com] SUPPORT Your support will help this show continue. Funds will go towards hosting and music licensing for this show and others. This show is produced by an independent HUMAN artist directly affected by the state of the industry. SUPPORT THE SHOW * Like this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://performance.captivate.fm [https://performance.captivate.fm] * We love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytz [https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytz] * We have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8ndd [https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8ndd] * Transcriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqk [https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqk] * Schedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZR [https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZR] ABOUT JEN Host: Jen deHaan has a background of almost 30 years in tech, education, & instructional design and 10 years in improv and performance. Jen's website: https://jendehaan.com [https://jendehaan.com] Made and produced by Jen deHaan in British Columbia, Canada.