How have online protests—like the recent outrage over the Komen Foundation’s decision to defund Planned Parenthood—changed the nature of political action? How do Facebook and other popular social media platforms shape the conversation around current political issues? The ways in which we gather information about current events and communicate it with others have been transformed by the rapid rise of digital media. The political is no longer confined to the institutional and electoral arenas, and that has profound implications for how we understand citizenship and political participation. With From Voice to Influence, Danielle Allen and Jennifer S. Light have brought together a stellar group of political and social theorists, social scientists, and media analysts to explore this transformation. Threading through the contributions is the notion of egalitarian participatory democracy, and among the topics discussed are immigration rights activism, the participatory potential of hip hop culture, and the porous boundary between public and private space on social media. The opportunities presented for political efficacy through digital media to people who otherwise might not be easily heard also raise a host of questions about how to define “good participation:” Does the ease with which one can now participate in online petitions or conversations about current events seduce some away from serious civic activities into “slacktivism?” Drawing on a diverse body of theory, from Hannah Arendt to Anthony Appiah, From Voice to Influence offers a range of distinctive visions for a political ethics to guide citizens in a digitally connected world.

How have online protests—like the recent outrage over the Komen Foundation’s decision to defund Planned Parenthood—changed the nature of political action? How do Facebook and other popular social media platforms shape the conversation around current political issues? The ways in which we gather information about current events and communicate it with others have been transformed by the rapid rise of digital media. The political is no longer confined to the institutional and electoral arenas, and that has profound implications for how we understand citizenship and political participation. With From Voice to Influence, Danielle Allen and Jennifer S. Light have brought together a stellar group of political and social theorists, social scientists, and media analysts to explore this transformation. Threading through the contributions is the notion of egalitarian participatory democracy, and among the topics discussed are immigration rights activism, the participatory potential of hip hop culture, and the porous boundary between public and private space on social media. The opportunities presented for political efficacy through digital media to people who otherwise might not be easily heard also raise a host of questions about how to define “good participation:” Does the ease with which one can now participate in online petitions or conversations about current events seduce some away from serious civic activities into “slacktivism?” Drawing on a diverse body of theory, from Hannah Arendt to Anthony Appiah, From Voice to Influence offers a range of distinctive visions for a political ethics to guide citizens in a digitally connected world.

This inspiring book by leading voice coach Judy Apps shows you how to awaken the energy of your authentic voice to speak from head, heart, gut and soul. Bringing together knowledge from voice training, NLP, Aikido, Alexander Technique, Bioenergetics, Feldenkrais and other mind-body work, Voice of Inf uence gives you the means to reach people at a deeper level where you'll motivate and inspire. Through this journey of discovery, you will literally 'find your own voice' in all senses of the phrase. Judy will show you how to: speak more powerfully and influentially; communicate from the whole of you, and reach people at a deeper level; find your true voice rather than just speaking with expression; understand other people better through the sound of their voice. Your voice is uniquely you and reveals more about you than you might imagine. Your whole history is imprinted in your voice. We have all heard of 'body language' this book reveals the 'body language' of sound - 'voice language'. It uncovers many startling new aspects of the human voice and how we communicate - and fail to communicate! Every sound you make gives information about what is going on inside you, and you can use this information both to become a more skilful listener and to communicate with greater impact.

When you speak, whether on stage, in a meeting or on the telephone, do you command the room confidently and naturally? Are you seen as a true leader? Do you get the full respect you deserve and the results you want?If you're like most people, your response to most of these questions is, "No, but I want to!" The reason is in our "blind spot": the gap between how we think we come across when we speak, and how we actually come across to others. Have you ever had an argument in which someone angrily says, "It's not what you said, it's how you said it!"? The truth is that it's both- and that's the blind spot. If you've ever been there, then this book is for you. Full of stories, examples, and exercises for you to try, Speaking to Influence helps you take the blinders off and see where you're getting in your own way so you can create strong, positive relationships, establish your best reputation, and achieve your greatest goals and purpose.

The foolproof results of a polished and professional verbal delivery illustrate how the voice can be used to achieve greater confidence, credibility, professional success, and sales in this handbook on applying voice-control techniques used by voice-over artists in business communications. From a comprehensive voice evaluation to a step-by-step voice improvement plan, a range of activities provide information on how to improve diction and articulation, speak with greater warmth and enthusiasm, and make a lasting impression. Practical tips include how to leave a voice-mail message that is 40 percent more likely to be returned and how to make outgoing messages sound professional. Insider secrets about the influence of the spoken word will help speakers acquire and practice the skills necessary to sound more credible, tell great stories, and add a more musical quality to speech by mastering voice pitch and inflection.

When you know what to say and how to say it, people listen. Find your powerful voice, and step into leadership. Speak with impact. Every day, you have an opportunity to use your voice to have a positive impact -- at work or in your community. You can inspire and persuade your audience -- or you can distract and put them to sleep. Presentation styles where leaders are nervous, ramble, and robotic can ruin a talk on even the most critical topics. As your performances become weak, your career prosects start to dim. To get ahead and make an impact, you need to deliver well-crafted messages with confidence and authenticity. You must?sound?as capable as you are. Public speaking is a skill, not a talent. With the right guidance, anyone can be a powerful speaker. Written by former opera singer turned CEO and TEDx speaker Allison Shapira, Speak with Impact unravels the mysteries of commanding attention in any setting, professional or personal. Whether it’s speaking up at a meeting, presenting to clients, or talking to large groups, this book’s easy-to-use frameworks, examples and exercises will help you: Engage your audience through storytelling and humor Use breathing techniques to overcome stage fright Strengthen and project your voice by banishing filler words/uptalk Use effective body language and build your executive presence Compose a clear message and deliver confident, authentic presentations Learn to conquer fear, capture attention, motivate action, and take charge of your career with?Speak with Impact.