Hi, I’m helen
I trained in acting and physical theatre, then spent a decade working as an actor and performer in London and Dublin.
From there I moved into voice-over work, and fell in love with narrating audiobooks - creating character-voices, playing with accents, discovering just how much the voice can convey.
I've also practised yoga for most of my adult life, and later trained as an instructor. The breathwork and mindfulness at the heart of that practice turned out to be a natural fit with everything I'd learned about voice and performance.
This connection sent me back to study - an MFA in Professional Voice Studies at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School - to understand the science behind what I'd been doing instinctively for years.
My coaching draws on all of it - acting and movement, breath, voice, and technique - to help people find their presence and make their mark.
My Approach
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My Approach *
Most people think voice coaching means: speak clearly, pause, vary your tone. Those things matter. But here's what acting, physical theatre and yoga taught me: the body doesn't lie. Tension, shallow breath, braced shoulders - your audience senses it, and it undermines your authority. You can't have a powerful voice without a free, grounded body behind it.
So my approach starts with the body, not the words. Presence isn't something you project or layer on top - it's what happens when your body is relaxed but energised, your breath is free, your voice is alive. People feel it immediately.
I call it ‘The Actor's Toolkit’, because actors are trained to do the hardest thing: to be natural under completely unnatural circumstances. To stay grounded and authentic when the stakes are high. Turns out that's a useful skill for leaders too.
I work particularly with women in leadership - smart, capable, accomplished women who are tired of being told to "be more assertive," as if confidence were a decision rather than a skill. Fortunately, it’s a skill that can be learned. We start with the body: releasing tension, freeing the breath, connecting to vocal power. Then we bring in the voice - language, articulation, connection.
The result: a leader who looks and sounds exactly as capable as she is.
I take the work seriously. Myself, rather less so… expect to laugh, and to leave knowing more about your ribcage than you thought you'd ever need.
“Helen is an exceptional voice coach with a real talent for helping her clients improve. She quickly identified what I needed to work on and provided practical techniques that made an immediate difference. Her teaching style is professional yet encouraging, creating a comfortable environment to learn and grow. I noticed significant improvements in my vocal clarity and confidence. Highly recommend Vocally Speaking to anyone looking to enhance their voice skills!”